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Book iLi £ 7. — 



THE 

Domestic Sanctuary; 

OR, 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY 
RELIGION. 

BY ' 

J. LANCELEY. 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 

THE REV. SAMUEL D. RICE, D. D. 

Female College, Hamilton. 



" The church in the house"— Paul. 



HAMILTON : 

SPECTATOR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1878, 



CONTENTS 



Chapter. 

I. — Home. . . 

II. — The Husband. 

III. — The Wife. . < 

IV. — Husband and Wife. 
V.— The Family Institution. 

VI. — Family W t orship. 
VII. — Domestic Relationships. 
VIII. — Abodes and Habits. . 
IX. — Difficulties. 
X. — The Advantages of Family Religion. 
XI. — Testimonies of Distinguished Men. 



INTRODUCTION. 



I have been requested, by its author, to 
write an introduction to this little book. 

Could I say anything to give it currency, 
could I induce people to buy the book and read 
on this most important subject, most cheer- 
fully would I use my influence to do so. Mr. 
Lanceley may well claim to have had the best 
opportunity for preparation in this department 
of thought. Not exempt, in any way, from the 
lot of heavy labor, nor free from severe trial in 
personal suffering, he has prepared a very large 
family for active life, and with unusual success. 
If "every event must have a cause," then, in the 
life and characters of those so prepared, are to 
be found the teachings, the discipline, and 
example of other years. Mr. Lanceley will 
tell you from whence he drew the knowledge 
he sought to communicate, and the inspiration 
for the work; the motives by which he was 
actuated, and the great responsibility which 



VI. 



Introduction. 



led him to pursue his daily work of governing, 
teaching, guiding, repressing and encouraging, 
as the varied circumstances might require. 
Exposed as childhood life is, in these times, to 
all the falsities in thought, and impropriety of 
conduct, so rife in all circles of society, to have 
no exception in this circle to mar the record of 
loving childhood and respectful maturity, of 
filial and fraternal love, of unity and earnest- 
ness of purpose in meeting life's claims, and 
of a deep and permanent regard for those 
duties that flow from a correct apprehension 
of their relations to God, must give a thrill of 
deepest joy to parental affection, and declare 
the value of the facts and methods of home 
life. Most parents think they can govern other 
people's children admirably, and are very free 
in their criticisms on those of other people ; 
but their own! oh, they have such dispositions! 

The life of the family is cared for only in 
christian countries, and with exceedingly rare 
exception can "home," be used in any but 
christian lands. Our inference, therefore, is 
that under christian teachings alone, are those 
qualities found that form the bond of christian 
households. The result must be, that the only 
"rule of faith and practice" is the word of 
authority, whose teachings can guide to such 
great results. No one can over-estimate the 



Introduction. 



vii. 



value of proper family training in regard to the 
nation's life and prosperity. The throne can 
be secure in freedom only when the family life 
is sacred, — when the relations of the family are 
recognized and sacredly observed and guarded. 
Let every parent seek to secure the best teach- 
ings, — teachings from God's word, — and he will 
have accomplished what, to him, is more than 
a sentiment. This book takes the scriptures 
as its text. If the same spirit whose inspiration 
gave it, should use it, then its mission will 
have been accomplished. 

Happy they who, taking the position, suc- 
ceed in forming a household whose whole life 
may be made a benediction and a joy. 

Samuel D. Rice. 

Wesleyan Female College, 
May 2nd, 1878. 



i 

; 



THE DOMESTIC SANCTUARY. 



CHAPTER I. 

HOME. 

There is, perhaps, no word in the English 
language in which the loving sympathies of 
human nature so freely and so fully express 
themselves as the word home. It is the centre 
of all that is interesting and delightful — where 
all our affections meet and entwine themselves 
around "whatsoever things are lovely." It 
is not. the thatched cottage nar the stately 
mansion (with its extensive or more limited 
surroundings, with its richly furnished apart- 
ments or well supplied tables) that constitutes 
home ; but all that is endearing in human 
relationship, all that is tender in human sym- 
pathy, all that is true and faithful in human 
friendship, is wrapped up in the word home. 
We like to be where our infirmities are 
allowed without criticism, where our motives 



10 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



and secrets can be known with confidence, 
and where the whole circle, swayed by the 
influence of affectionate tenderness and love, 
serve one another. 

Such confidence can nowhere be found, 
but at home. What a fund of pleasing recol- 
lections, like the early flowers (such as the 
violet and the snowdrop) of spring, flows 
around the hearth of home when we remem- 
ber the gambols of childhood ; the rural and 
careless sports of youth ; the high resolves, 
the heroic purposes, the buoyant hopes, with 
the dreams of airbuilt castles, of rising man- 
hood ; the chastened feeling, both of sorrow 
and of joy, of riper years : all these are closely 
associated with the word home. There stands 
the same old clock that measured off the 
hours of childhood, whose well-known sound 
and pointed finger called to study, to school, 
and to work, and whose evening chimes , gath- 
ered both parents and children to the altar of 
cheerful, holy sacrifice. There is father as 
the priest of the household, invested with a 
sanctity similar to that with which our childish 
imagination clothed Abraham, and Isaac, and 
Moses. There are the two old arm chairs, 
occupied by mother and father, who take the 
old book, shattered and worn with long ser- 
vice ; its pages read with a reverence and in a 



Home. 



II 



tone that yet seems to vibrate upon one's very 
heart; their mingled supplications and thanks- 
givings ascend, to be offered with the prayers 
of all saints upon the golden altar which is 
before the throne. Love in its highest earthly 
perfection is here. Conjugal love, parental 
love, filial love, brotherly love, sisterly love — 
all gather around and delightfully blend in that 
sacred spot, home. It has an undying grasp 
upon the heart's deepest sympathies and kind- 
est feelings. There is a charm and a magic 
about it which makes one feel spellbound 
through life, yea, even forever. Mutual recog- 
nition, social intercourse, fraternal affection, 
security and repose, are congenial elements of 
a pious home. 

THE FAMILY BIBLE. 

This book is all that's left me now, 

Tears will unbidden start, 
With faltering lip and throbbing brow, 

I press it to my heart. 
For many generations past 

Here is our family tree ; 
My mother's hand this Bible clasped, 
-She, dying, gave it me. 

Ah ! well do I remember those 

Whose names these records bear, 
Who round the hearthstone used to close 

After the evening prayer, 
And speak of what these pages said 

In tones my heart would thrill. 
Though they are with the silent dead s 

Here are they living still. 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



My father read this holy book 

To brothers, sisters dear ; 
How calm was my dear mother's look, 

Who leaned God's word to hear. 
Her angel face I see it now — 

What thronging memories come ! 
Again that little group is met 

Within the walls of home. 

Thou truest friend man ever knew, 

Thy constancy I've tried. 
When all was false, I've found thee true, 

My councillor and guide. 
The mines of earth no treasures give 

That could this volume buy : 
In teaching me the way to live, 

It taught me how to die. 



CHAPTER II. 



HUSBAND, AND HIS INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS. 

In the constitution of home is implied a 
community of persons and social relationships, 
each possessing a distinct interest and respon- 
sibility. There is husband and wife; master 
and mistress ; parents and children ; sons and 
daughters; brothers and sisters; men servants 
and maid servants. 

Although there is a sense in which each 
person in this community of social relation- 
ships is equally interested in every other, yet 
there is a wide difference in the responsibility 
of one to the other. The husband, being the 
head of the house, as king and priest of the 
whole, to him, and to him only, is deputed the 
authority of law and order. It is his right to 
rule. The outer world cares to know no one 
but him. It is his place to provide for the 
necessities and comforts of the whole. These 
have to be sought in the field and in the mar- 
ket ; in the workshop; behind the counter and 
in the office, and sometimes obtained with 
disagreeable competition and petty jealousy. 
He is known among the higher and the lower 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



walks of life ; diligent in business, and eco- 
nomical and frugal in his rules of action. 
With all this he may not be successful. This 
may greatly disappoint and grieve him, and his 
competitors may smile at his misfortune. But 
this is the law of discipline. If he has energy 
of mind and strength of will, with steady 
perseverance he will rise above it all, a wiser 
and a better man. Good men are often tried, 
that they may become great, to bring into 
play the latent energies of their nature, which 
otherwise might remain comparatively dor- 
mant. Tried men are generally true men. 

Husbands are required to love their wives 
and be not bitter against them. They are to 
love them as their own bodies, for no man 
ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth 
and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the 
Church. The grand rule according to which 
every husband is to act, is to love his wife as 
Christ loved the Church. But how did Christ 
love the Church? He gave himself for it ; he 
laid down his life for it. It is the duty of the 
husband to protect and defend his wife, and 
give honor to her as the weaker vessel. 



v 



CHAPTER III. 



ON THE CHARACTER AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE 
WIFE. 



" I will," saith the Apostle Paul (ist Tim. 
v., 14), "that the younger women marry, bear 
children, rule the house, give none occasion to 
the adversary to speak reproachfully." As she 
has the conceded right to guide the house, 
much depends upon her judgment and habits. 
Many persons are too rash in venturing upon 
the duties and responsibilities of married life. 
Their qualifications are extremely meagre, and 
errors of judgment may result in errors of 
practice, which may be the source of trouble 
for a long time to come. This is to be regret- 
ted. To be sorry goes but a little way in 
effecting a remedy. If wise councillors are 
near who will kindly give the benefit of their 
wisdom and experience, and the young wife 
is willing to learn, then vigorous application 
and perseverance may eventually make things 
much better. It would be greatly to the 
advantage of all good women, whether mar- 
ried or contemplating to be, if they would 



i6 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



thoroughly study that beautiful description of 
a model wife, given by King Lemuel in Prov. 
xxxi., 10-31. A few of the more prominent 
features we will supply, referring you to the 
original for a more perfect likeness. 

There is her general character — she is a 
virtuous woman. Her motives are pure and 
strong. The principles of character are well 
balanced and understood. She has great men- 
tal energy, to subordinate all things to her 
rule. Her value is above all financial consid- 
erations, her price being far above rubies. 
The old proverb says, "A, fortune in a wife is 
far greater than a fortune with one." The 
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. 
She is prudent and judicious, looks well to the 
ways of her household, so that her husband 
need not fret about the management of home 
wants and home duties. Her husband's hap- 
piness is continually in view, and she kindly 
prevents or removes all she thinks might cross 
his path or interfere with his pleasure. Her 
goodness is unmixed goodness ; it is, also, con- 
stant and permanent. Such unlimited esteem 
and unshaken confidence should never be 
betrayed or trifled with, but the most con- 
vincing evidence constantly furnished that her 
heart's sincere affection has not been mis- 
placed. 



The Wife, 



17 



In arranging the conveniences and pro- 
viding for the comfort of her household, she 
does not buy things made ready to her hand if 
she has the means of making them herself. 
Wool from her own flocks, or flax from her own 
fields, is carefully gathered and manufactured, 
working willingly with her own hands. Her 
time is also precious, and cannot be wasted. 
Time lost is money lost. She is up early in 
the morning before daylight, preparing food 
for her household. She buys in the best and 
cheapest market. She raises her own luxu- 
ries; by the fruit of her own hand she planteth 
a vineyard. She studies her own health; by 
proper exercise her loins and arms are girt 
with strength. She is not forgetful of the 
poor and afflicted, but stretcheth out her 
hands to help them. She is not afraid of the 
snow and cold, for herself and family are well 
provided for with double garments, or two-fold 
what they are accustomed to wear. Her house 
is well furnished, her person richly attired, so 
as to be equal to her husband when he sitteth 
among the elders of the land, or as magistrate 
in the court. She openeth her mouth with 
wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kind- 
ness. She is not known from the noise she 
makes, but her words are well considered and 
fitly spoken. 



r8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



In the management of the family, she is 
intelligent and wise. Her mind is well culti- 
vated. She is amiable in her carriage, full of 
good nature, well tempered and obliging in 
her manners and address, and in her tongue is 
the law of kindness. " She looketh well to the 
ways of her household." She watches, and 
studies, and directs all their movements. She 
has great force of character and power of con- 
trol. Her counsel is respectfully sought and 
pleasantly given. The characters of the family 
are moulded after her own fashion. They are 
well educated, trained in the art of civility and 
politeness. They are well behaved to every- 
body, whether poor or rich, and everywhere 
respected and honored. The influence of all 
this is felt and appreciated; hence her child- 
ren rise up and call her blessed. They are 
unitedly and devoutly grateful for such a good 
mother, and invoke upon her suitable blessings 
in return. " Her husband also, and he praiseth 
her." He is indebted -to her for his success in 
business, for his high social position, for his 
distinguished family ; through her they are all 
justly held in universal esteem. He is sensible 
of her many excellencies and commends her 
for her doings. He does not know her equal. 
She is the excellent of the earth, and he has 
unwavering confidence in her. Many daugh- 



The Wife, 



19 



ters have done virtuously, but thou excellest 
them all. 

The crowning excellence with which this 
distinguished woman's character was invested 
was her religion. It was this which gave tone, 
and purity, and dignity, and genuineness to 
the whole. " Favor is deceitful, and beauty is 
vain." All earthly accomplishments, graceful 
and beautiful as they may be, are only human 
at best, and then often fictitious and unrelia- 
ble. "But a woman that feareth the Lord, 
she shall be praised." This is never fading 
beauty, which, after unfolding itself in silken 
leaves below, flourishes with greater lustre and 
in perpetual bloom in a higher and more con- 
genial clime. "Give her of the fruit of her 
hands ; and let her own works praise her in 
the gates." May she long enjoy the fruit of 
her labors ; may she see her children's child- 
ren ; may what she hath done be spoken of for 
a memorial of her to generations yet unborn ; 
let her bright example be everywhere known ; 
let it be set before every daughter of Adam, 
particularly every wife, but especially every 
mother, and let them learn from her what 
husbands have a right to expect in their wives 
— the mistresses of their families and the 
mothers of their children. 



20 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



THE MOTHER OF JOHN AND CHARLES WESLEY. 

It is said, by no less an authority than Dr. 
Adam Clark, that he had met at least with an 
equal to this Jewish matron in the person of 
the mother of the late Revds. John and Charles 
Wesley. 

He says: " I am constrained to add this 
testimony, after having traced her from her 
birth to her death, through all the relations 
which a woman can have upon earth. Her 
Christianity gave to her virtues and excellences 
an exhaltation which the Jewish matron could 
not possess. Besides, she was a woman of 
great learning and information, and of a depth 
of mind and reach of thought seldom to be 
found among the daughters of Eve, and not 
often among the sons of Adam." 

In another place he says: "I have been 
acquainted with many pious females, I have 
read the lives of several others and composed 
the memoirs of a few, but such a woman, take 
her for all in all, I have not heard of, I have 
not read of, nor with her equal have I been 
acquainted." 

Mrs. Wesley had a large family and was the 
instructor of her children, and subsequently 
became their counsellor and guide. We can- 
not fail to admire the tact and cleverness, as 



The Wife. 



21 



well as the moral courage and indomitable 
perseverance, of a woman, who, amidst the 
ordinary care of a numerous family, and the 
troubles and sorrows of the Epworth Parson- 
age, devoted six hours a day to the painstaking 
and effective school education of her children. 
She also steadily and faithfully enforced her 
domestic discipline and superintended her 
household affairs. The mother of nineteen 
children (ten of whom outlived their child- 
hood), her provident forethought was often 
severely taxed to provide for her family food 
and raiment, under circumstances, too, of 
peculiar trial and provocation. By fire twice 
rendered homeless, and with a husband often 
involved in parochial disputes, and at one time 
actually imprisoned (the result of misfortune 
-and spite), Mrs. Wesley, uncomplaining, ad- 
hered to her purposes and plans, and even 
found time to write able treatises on religious 
topics and doctrines, and when the Rector was 
busy in London, taking part in convocation 
affairs, she made provision, by her own dis- 
course and the reading of awakening sermons, 
for the spiritual wants of the parishoners, thus 
becoming, if not his official assistant, yet his 
effective substitute. 

The Pharisees, in the days of our Lord, 
had allowed a certain privilege, permitted by 



22 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



the law of Moses to become an oppressive 
tradition, by which the wife was humiliated 
and degraded. If a man had a dislike to his 
wife, he could take and write her a bill of 
divorcement for the most trivial offence, and 
put her away. But our Lord, as lawmaker 
and judge, forbid it, and said that she should 
not be put away, except for one particular sin, 
— the sin of adultery. In this the sacredness 
of the divine institution of marriage was dis- 
solved; the covenant bond was broken; she 
was no more worthy of his confidence and 
protection: therefore, for that sin, and for 
that only, was he justified in putting her 
away. The teaching of Christ was, that what 
God had joined together, man was not to put 
asunder. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE HUSBAND AND WIFE IN THEIR UNITED 
RELATIONSHIP, AND AS HEIRS TOGETHER 
OF THE GRACE OF LIFE. 

The judgment of God pronounced upon 
man, while alone and in a state of celibacy, 
was, that it was not a good state. "And the 
Lord God said, It is not good that the man 
should be alone, I will make him an help meet 
for him." God made the woman for the man. 
He also made the woman out of the man, to 
intimate that the closest union and the most 
affectionate attachment should subsist in the 
matrimonial connection, so that the man should 
ever consider and treat the woman as a part 
of himself; and as no one ever hates his own 
flesh, but nourishes and supports it, so should 
a man deal with his wife. And, on the other 
hand, the woman should consider that the man 
was not made for her, but that she was made 
for the man, and derived, under God, her being 
from him ; therefore, the wife should see that 
she reverence her husband (Eph. v., 33). This 
is flesh of my flesh, therefore shall a man leave 
father and mother and cleave unto his wife, 



24 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



How happy must such a state be where God's 
institution is properly regarded — where the 
parties are married, as the Apostle expresses 
it, in the Lord. 

Dr. Macknight has some very good and 
homely remarks here: "The husband is to 
love his wife ; the wife to obey and venerate 
her husband. Love and protection on the 
one hand, affectionate subjection and fidelity 
on the other. The husband should provide 
for his wife without encouraging profuseness ; 
watch over her conduct without giving her 
vexation ; keep her in subjection without mak- 
ing her a slave." 

The range of interests requiring their uni- 
ted counsel being compressed within a limited 
circle, makes their duties, though important, 
yet comparatively easy. The duties of the 
household, proper, such as house accommoda- 
tion and furniture, sickness, education, and the 
future welfare of the family, are included in a 
joint consideration. Church government the 
charity and wisdom of the Apostle does not 
permit her to interfere in, but to keep silent, 
and if she would learn anything, let her ask 
her husband at home, (ist Cor. xiv., 34-35 5 
1st Tim. ii., 9-14). Her individual taste in 
personal adornment is not to be absorbed in 
external ornaments and costly apparel, that 



Husband and Wife. 



25 



can be put on or taken off just as vanity and 
the influence of circumstances shall dictate ; 
but with modest apparel, with shamefacedness 
and sobriety, as women professing godliness ; 
yea, that hidden man of the heart, even the 
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is 
in the sight of God of great price. "For after 
this manner in the old time the holy women, 
who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being 
in subjection to their own husbands ; even as 
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord." 
(1st Peter, iii., 1-6.) 

All people in the olden time, although their 
names may be allowed a place in inspired his- 
tory, were not given as examples for imitation, 
but, in many cases, as ensamples for our warn- 
ing and admonition, for our correction and 
instruction in righteousness, that the man of 
God may be perfect — thoroughly furnished 
unto every good work. 

The sacred Scriptures present us with 
some glaring inconsistencies, where domestic 
affection and honor have been shamefully out- 
raged, and social honesty and forbearance 
prostrated, either by the disguised treachery 
of one towards the other, or by the united 
agreement of both, to perpetrate a wrong. 



26 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



ISAAC AND REBEKAH. 

One of the greatest and most fruitful sources 
of evil in a family is parental partiality, which 
prevailed to an alarming extent in the families 
of " the chief of the fathers." See it with its 
train of painful consequences in the history of 
Jacob and Joseph, and the coat of many colors. 
When his brethren saw that the father loved 
him more than all the rest, they hated him and 
could not speak peaceably unto him. See it, 
also, in Laban and his family; but more espe- 
cially with Isaac and Rebekah towards Jacob 
and Esau. It is very significantly stated that 
Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. 
This absorbing favoritism scattered the bloom 
and marred the fruit of domestic harmony, by 
mutual bickerings, jealousies and feuds. See 
the old man bending beneath the weight of six 
score years and the many infirmities of a very 
checkered life, and his eyesight failing him. 
He is anxious to make arrangements for his 
household before he departs. In this he is to 
be commended. Many a family would have 
saved heavy expenses and painful disappoint- 
ment had a proper disposal of its affairs been 
made by its head before death had made it 
impossible. 



Husband and Wife, 



27 



The manner in which Isaac went through 
this transaction is questionable, and not in 
harmony with religion and good judgment, but 
indicates a desire on his part to secure a great 
advantage for his favorite son at the expense 
of the other, and an attempt to thwart the pur- 
pose of God. Why so much apparent hurry 
and secrecy? There is no account of any 
attempt at seeking divine guidance. Family 
counsel is avoided. Rebekah, the wife of his 
youth and old age, is not consulted. What 
had savory venison to do with a solemn tes- 
tamentary transaction? No wonder that the 
whole plan miscarried, and that the old man 
" trembled exceedingly." 

It is affecting to find a wife and a mother, 
of the age and experience of Rebekah, taking 
advantage of her husband's age and infirmity 
to deceive him. The root of her treachery 
was ambition ; but it was a woman's ambition, 
and therefore not for herself, but for another. 
We tremble as we behold the son led on by 
the mother, with the name of God upon his 
lips, deceiving his father, whose eyes were so 
dim that he could not see. Although it was 
the declared purpose of God that the rights 
of the firstborn should be with Jacob, it was 
never intended that they should be obtained 
in so reprehensible a way. A little patience 



28 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



and trust in providence, and in due time the 
transfer would be completed, and that upon a 
divine plan and with the divine blessing. We 
might profitably ponder the weighty lessons 
taught in this family plotting and counter- 
plotting. It is a great evil and glaringly in- 
consistent with parental duty to divide their 
family into pets and favorites, and the con- 
trary. In this way we never can succeed in 
establishing domestic discipline. After this 
Jacob, was compelled to flee from home, under 
the guilt of selfishness and falsehood. Esau 
also departs, with a fixed purpose that his 
revenge should eventually be satisfied in taking 
away the life of his brother. What a series of 
vexations, disappointments and calamities, with 
a constant stream of treacherous overbearing, 
followed him to the end? What son could 
look with respect upon a guilty mother after 
this ? Would not her extravagant love change 
into shame and reproach, and result in arousing 
theunkindest antipathies. We are also reminded 
by the circumstances of the vanity of trusting 
in an arm of flesh. " Upon me be thy curse, 
my son," said the doting, self-deceived mother, 
in the moment of exaggerated passion for her 
son's prosperity and renown. But is one 
sinner a refuge for another? Is it not daring 
presumption to assume the responsibility of so 



Husband and Wife. 



2 9 



desperate a deed? Her scheme to get him away 
from threatened danger led him to the very 
place where her crafty brother deals exactly 
with him as she had counselled Jacob to do 
with Esau. She flattered herself that his 
absence would only be-for a short time, but it 
lasted throughout her life, and she saw him no 
more. A scrupulous observance of the divine 
will makes the wisest parents, the most obedient 
children, the kindest neighbors, the most loyal 
subjects, and the truest patriots. 

AHAB AND JEZEBEL. 

There is in the twenty-first chapter of the 
first book of Kings, 1-25, an account of a royal 
pair, whose features of character it may be 
profitable to consider. Ahab, as a successful 
warrior, had recently returned from Aphek, 
elated with two decisive victories over Ben- 
haded and thirty-two confederate kings. He 
had just been reprimanded by a prophet in 
God's name for misusing an advantage he had 
won in the battle field. He was " heavy and 
displeased " with God, the prophet, and with 
everyone but himself. While in that unhappy 
mood, walking one day in the palace ground, he 
cast an evil eye upon the vineyard of his neigh- 
bor. He did not need it for a vineyard, but he 
thought it would make a kitchen garden ; but, 



30 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



whether or no, he did not like his grounds over- 
looked by an insignificant neighbor. He offered 
to buy the vineyard of Naboth at a price, or 
change it for another. But the law of Israel 
did not allow them to sell the inheritance of 
their fathers. Naboth's great respect for the 
law would not allow him to accept the offer, 
so he told Ahab he could not sell. With this 
he was indignant and greatly annoyed : to think 
that kings and governors by the score should 
submit themselves and bow down to him, yet 
this superstitious and religious enthusiast, and 
ungenerous neighbor, refuses to oblige him. He 
resents the refusal as a gross affront. He goes 
into his house "heavy and displeased," refuses 
to eat bread, goes to bed, turning his face to 
the wall, or sulks, and won't speak to any one. 
There was a time when man was alone, but 
God had compassion on him and provided a 
helpmeet for him. If such help was then 
necessary and congenial, how much more so 
now, when his intellect is broken down and 
his mental faculties prostrate and confused. 
In times of affliction and trial, to have a true 
sympathizer and wise counsellor by your side, 
in whom you have unlimited confidence, is a 
great boon. How commanding, for good or 
for evil, is the influence of a wife? If she 
possess her unquestionable right, the undivided 



Husband and Wife. 



31 



love and affection of her husband, it must be 
inevitably great, and it may be capable of 
indefinite expansion. If the husband be a man 
of turbulent spirit, her quietness may calm him. 
If covetous, she may teach him the pleasure 
and blessedness of giving. If extravagant, she 
may restrain him. If malignant, her love and 
affection may subdue it. If apt to misunder- 
stand a neighbor, she may soften the angles of 
dispute and preserve the harmony unbroken. 
Verily, he that findeth such a wife findeth a 
good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord. 
On the other hand, if a wife is a pow T er for 
good, she is also a great power for evil. . The 
poet has observed that 

•' The true, successful way to man is woman." 

Of all the agencies which Satan has employed 
since the world began, few have been so 
dexterously successful as wilful, intriguing 
woman. Adam, but for Eve, never might have 
eaten of the forbidden fruit. But for Rebekah, 
as we have shown, Jacob would not have 
deceived his dying father. If Samson had not 
been so fascinated as to have divulged the 
secret gift of God to a deceitful woman, he 
would not have fallen into the hands of the 
Philistines. Had it not been for Job's unwaver- 
ing confidence in the divine integrity, the hasty 



32 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



profanity of his wife might have involved them 
in remediless ruin, by becoming voluntary vic- 
tims of the divine displeasure. Herod would 
not have beheaded John the Baptist had it not 
been for Herodias, his wife; and, had not Jezebel 
stirred up Ahab, he would not have dared to 
countenance the horrible deeds that followed. 
She went into his chamber, while he lay on his 
bed in his sulky mood, and taunted him with 
cowardice, and suggested a plausible plot. But 
for this Ahab might have got relief through his 
tears, " and washed his grief away." But 
Jezebel, his wife, came to him and said, " Why 
is thine heart so sad that thou eatest no bread ?" 
Ahab, like a soft weeping school boy that has 
lost his marbles, replies, " Because I spoke 
unto Naboth, the Jezreelite, and said unto him, 
£ Give me the vineyard for money, or else, if it 
please thee, I will give thee another vineyard 
for it ; ' and he answered, ' I will not give thee 
my vineyard.'" He overstates the case, so as 
to clear himself and criminate Naboth. Jezebel, 
instead of allaying his rage by calm, dignified 
persuasion, only aggravates his feelings by 
adding fuel to the flame. She despises the 
cowardliness of her husband, and is indignant 
he should so demean himself. " Dost thou now 
govern the kingdom of Israel ?" she exclaimed; 
" art thou, or Naboth, King? Arise and eat 



Husband and Wife. 



33 



bread, and let thine heart be merry ; I will get 
thee the. vineyard." To effect her purpose, she 
wrote letters in Ahab's name to the elders and 
nobles of Jezreel, saying that Naboth was a 
dangerous neighbor, and that the peace of the 
city was in danger in consequence of his crimes, 
and requiring them to condemn and execute 
without mercy. These instructions found ready 
response from her friends, and Naboth was 
executed. The news of his death soon reached 
Jezebel, and she, exulting in the success of 
her diabolical project, approaches the bedside 
of her dejected husband, and says, " Arise now 
and take possession of the vineyard, for Naboth 
is not alive, but dead." Delighted with the 
information, he does not linger, but goes at 
once to take possession of the coveted treasure. 
It is likely they destroyed the whole of his 
family; and then the King seized on his grounds 
as confiscated, or without any heir-at-law. 
(2nd Kings, ix. . 26.) As he moves along its 
sacred walks, not pensive and sad that so ques- 
tionable an inheritance should have been got at 
so great a sacrifice, but flushed with delight 
that the obstinate enthusiast has been put out 
of the way, he is suddenly disturbed by the 
sound of approaching footsteps. He sees a 
man clothed in hairy garments, with a leathern 
girdle about his loins. Ahabhasmet with him 



34 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



before, and smarted under his cutting reproofs, 
which he has not forgot. " Hast thou found 
me, O mine enemy?" he angrily exclaimed. 
The stern and terrible reply is, "I have found 
thee ; because thou hast sold thyself to work 
wickedness in the sight of the Lord." Thus 
saith the Lord, " In. the place where the dogs 
licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy 
blood, even thine." Of Jezebel also spake the 
Lord, saying, "The dogs shall eat Jezebel by 
the wall of Jezreel." And of the whole male 
posterity, 4 ' Him that dieth of Ahab in the city 
shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the 
field shall the fowls of the air eat." What a 
black epitaph is affixed to the royal memorial 
by inspiration: " There was none like Ahab, 
which did sell himself to work wickedness in 
the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife 
stirred up." Then the fearful retribution which 
overtook her is horrible to contemplate. She, 
by the command of Jehu, was cast down from 
her own room window -and was killed ; then her 
mangled body was trodden to pieces under his 
horses' feet, and accordingly the predictions of 
Elijah, "The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall 
of Jezreel," were fulfilled. The dogs eat all but 
the skull, the feet and the hands — not enough 
left to necessitate a funeral. So no costly 
tomb, or even a grassy mound, exists to per- 



Husband and Wife. 



petuate her memory. Does not this case 
present a standing warning against all such 
alliances. 

We live in deeds, not years ; in thoughts, not breath ; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 

We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives 
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. 

DAVID AND HIS HOUSEHOLD. 

David was the most illustrious and heroic of 
the ancient worthies in the administration of 
righteous government in his family, himself 
taking the lead. Hence he says: "I will 
behave myself wisely in a perfect way. * * 
I will walk within my house with a perfect 
heart. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell 
within my house ; he that telleth lies shall not 
tarry in my sight : but the faithful they shall 
dwell with me." (Psalms ci.) His affection 
for the welfare of his family was strong and 
unyielding. Few men ever rose higher or 
shone brighter than David. 

An inspired historian says that his fame 
went out into all lands, and the Lord brought 
the fear of him upon all nations. He was pros- 
perous and honorable in the business of life, bold 
and daring in the defence of his flocks, successful 
and triumphant as a warrior. As a sovereign, 
how just his judgment, how prosperous and 
extended his reign. As a prophet, what a dis- 
tinct seer into the ages to come, for God had 



36 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



sworn with an oath to him, that of his loins, 
according to the flesh, he would raise up 
Christ to sit upon his throne. His moral 
and religious character was next to blameless: 
for " David did that which was right in the 
eyes of the Lord, and turned not aside from 
anything which he had commanded him all 
the days of his life, save only in the matter of 
Uriah the Hittite." (ist Kings xv., 5). That 
in this instance he grievously departed from 
God no one would attempt to deny, but was not 
his repentance the deepest and most exemplary 
we have on record? When a man has fallen, 
and makes the speediest return to God by con- 
fession and repentance, he proves that that 
transgression is no part of his character. He 
does not respect it. He loathes and abhors it. 

Many are great in public life, and dazzle 
the multitude by the number and magnitude 
of their worldly achievements, but whose pri- 
vate character and domestic virtues are held 
in strict reserve. Abroad they appear studious 
to please and excel; at home their conduct 
presents a melancholy reverse. But David 
appeared as solicitous to please God at home 
as abroad; and, whether viewed in the camp, 
the senate, the sanctuary, or the household, we 
see the, same devotional disposition pervading 
all his movements. 



Husband and Wife, 



37 



FETCHING THE ARK. 

The sixth chapter of 2nd Samuel contains 
a record of most exciting transactions, and in 
which David took the most conspicuous part. 
He, and thirty thousand of the chosen men of 
Israel, formed a grand procession to fetch the 
ark of God from Kirgath Jerim unto the city 
of David ; but instead of committing it to the 
care and management of the priests and Le- 
vites, who should have borne it upon their 
shoulders with the staves thereon, they, in 
imitation of the neighboring and idolatrous 
nations who drew the idols about in carriages 
for exhibition, placed the ark upon a new cart. 
The oxen yoked to the cart stumbled, and 
Uzzah, fearing the ark was in danger of fall- 
ing, stretched forth his hand to support it; but 
God smote him for his error, that he died by 
the ark of God. David, alarmed at this awful 
token of the divine displeasure, hesitated to 
proceed, and a temporary residence was pro- 
vided for the ark in the house of Obed-edom; 
and there the symbol of the divine presence 
rested, and there the blessing of Jehovah 
dwelt, and everything prospered with Obed- 
edom while the ark abode in his house. (2nd 
Sam. vi., 11, 12.) 

David, hearing of this, resolved upon an- 
other attempt to remove it unto his own city, 



3« 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



and profiting by his former error, he now ap- 
pointed the Levites, the proper legitimate 
persons; to bear it upon their shoulders. As 
soon as it was freed from its local entangle- 
ments and ready for departure, he caused seven 
bullocks and seven rams to be offered in sacri- 
fice as an atonement for past omissions of 
duty, (ist Chron, xv.) David was there as 
king, but could take no active part in the 
ceremony without being clad in appropriate 
garments. He therefore clothed himself in a 
linen ephod, as more expressive of his mind 
and will. Zeal of God's house absorbed every 
other consideration, and the plain garment 
in which a common Levite ministered in be- 
fore the Lord was more in harmony with 
his motives and pleasures than distinguished 
royalty with its gorgeous display. After they 
had given their fullest demonstration of joy, 
and pitched the ark in the place appointed for 
its reception, and every one receiving a cake 
of bread and a good piece of flesh and a flagon 
of wine, David blessed them in the name of 
the Lord of Hosts. Then, notwithstanding all 
this national display, this religious excitement, 
this unbounded enthusiasm of music and danc- 
ing, all must be superseded and make way for 
duties waiting for his attention. Then David 
returned to bless his household. 



Husband and Wife. 



39 



The duty affected the unity of the royal 
household. His wife, who eyed him with a 
scowl of contempt and accosted him in a strain 
of insulting and sarcastic impiety when she 
saw him put off the kingly garments which 
distinguished him above the rest, felt her 
dignity greatly humiliated, and in her frenzy 
came out to meet him and said, ;> How glori- 
ous was the King of Israel to-day, who uncov- 
ered himself in the eyes of the handmaids of his 
servants as one of the vain fellows shamelessly 
uncovereth himself." Such was the impudent 
and irritating language , in which David was 
addressed when he went to bless his household. 
David explained and remonstrated, saying. "-It 
was before the Lord I did it, but if this makes 
me base in thy sight. I will yet be more vile." 
The taunting, godless spirit of Michal has in- 
fluenced many a wife since the days of David, 
the consequences of which have been most 
ruinous to family peace and prosperity. Man 
everywhere is man, and whether he shall ad- 
vance or decline depends on the motive princi- 
ples by which he is actuated. Wherever a 
system of mental ignorance, sloth and bondage 
prevails, domestic and social advancement is 
impossible. Families and empires do not rise 
and fall wholly by the immediate power of 
God; they are not thrown up like new islands 



4 o 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



in the sea, nor fall like cities in an earthquake, 
by the direct exaction of the divine will. They 
are carried through the various stages of ad- 
vance or decline by their virtues and vices, 
which God makes the instruments of their 
prosperity or destruction. No people can be 
great without liberty as well as order, and 
there is no true liberty where men submit to 
be slaves in soul, and crouch beneath the yoke 
of a spiritual serfdom. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE FAMILY INSTITUTION. 

The principal objects of the institution of 
marriage and the division of the human race 
into the smaller societies called families, was 
to raise a godly seed, and in this sense the New 
Testament itself specifically calls the children 
of godly parents " holy." (ist Cor. vii., 14.) 

The same authority also constitutes a godly 
household a church, as in the case of Stephanas 
of Nymphas, Lydia, Philemon, and the keeper 
of the prison at Philippi. (Rom. xvi., 5; Cor. 
xvi., 19; Col. iv., 15, etc.) 

: From these and other considerations, it 
must appear evident to every candid mind that 
the household of every Christian should answer 
to this character. Far higher ends than those 
of a temporal nature have to be answered by 
the association of a Christian man, and his 
wife, children and servants, in one domestic 
circle. The apostle Paul is very emphatic in 
the qualifications of a minister, that he shall 
be one that ruleth well his own house. If he 
know not how to rule his own house, how shall 
he take care of the Church of God? The 



42 The Domestic Sanctuary. 



church in the house first as preparatory to 
the government, though under a fuller unction 
and in a separated character, in the Church 
Catholic. 

THE COVENANT OF GRACE. 

The covenant of grace made to Abraham 
and all his believing posterity, of which baptism 
is now the sign, was made in the assumption 
that fatherly training and teaching in the case 
of believers would never be wanting. (Gen. 
xviii., 19.) Whenever a baptism, therefore, 
takes place in a family, it must be clearly 
understood that the rite admits the recipient 
. into both churches, that of the house and that 
of the body of believers. The child, as such, 
has been placed in a position of infallible 
safety. It is in a gracious state, so far as its 
capacity and circumstances admit. " Of such," 
says our Lord (not of such like), "is the king- 
dom of heaven." The whole case of the child 
has been met and provided for by redemption- 
ary arrangements set forth by the Apostle in 
the 5th chapter of Romans. As an infant, so 
certainly as it is a sharer in the "offence and 
condemnation of the first man," so certainly 
is it a sharer in the "free gift" and glorious 
" righteousness" of the second man — the Lord 
from heaven. But when personal guilt has 



7776 Family Institution. 



43 



been superadded to original sin, an element 
of uncertainty has been introduced that may 
vitiate the transaction. The irresponsibility of 
the child, so far from invalidating its baptism, 
is the very thing that invests it with certainty. 

The institution of infant consecration, 
whether by circumcision or by baptism, is 
sufficient proof to us that we are not left to 
choose whether our children are to be religious 
or not. That they are to be so is a ruled case, 
since in their earliest days the Triune God 
claims their service, and in token puts the 
sacred mark of His covenant upon them. The 
sacrament of baptism meets them on the very 
threshold of life. It claims them for God, and 
signs and seals them as His. It is God's pub- 
lic investiture of the child with the name of 
the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy 
Ghost. By the concurrence of all the parties 
concerned it has been decided, so far as it 
can without their voluntary action, that they 
are to be the consecrated servants of God. 
What remains to make that transaction com- 
plete and give fulfilment and consummation to 
the design that commenced in baptism, is the 
free, sincere, intelligent consent of the children 
themselves. 

To carry out these designs some very great 
and learned men (whose judgment upon the 



44 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



question is, at least, deserving of respectful 
reflection) have considered that the primary 
responsibility in this matter rests upon the 
Church. There is no doubt that a grave re- 
sponsibility abides with the Church in provid- 
ing ordinances, evangelical instruction and 
discipline, pastoral oversight by truly spiritual 
men, and proper and available arrangements 
for the religious education of its rising charge ; 
but it requires great care lest we should so 
interfere in church duties and offices as to 
supersede, or even in the slighest degree lower, 
our own. It is the instinct of nature, it is the 
law of God, that upon parents should first 
devolve the obligation to bring children up in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and 
no godfather or godmother, and no minister, 
and no sabbath school teacher, can take their 
place. Parents of course are entitled to avail 
themselves of all the help placed at their dis- 
posal, and they who most worthily sustain the 
parental relationship will be most anxious to 
realize it. 

THE REASONABLENESS OF FAMILY RELIGION. 

In consequence of the lines of domestic 
worship not being definitely drawn and en- 
forced by a divine commandment, some have 
raised objections against the duty itself. No 



The Family Institution. 



45 



christian man, rightly under the influence of 
religious principles, will ask for any positive 
recognition binding him in his family to wor- 
ship God. No one, if he is sufficiently con- 
scious of the weighty responsibilities which 
devolve upon him as to the spiritual interests 
of his family, will need to be goaded to the 
discharge of duties so important by any express 
command of holy. scripture. What would be 
thought of me if I should demand an express 
precept to enforce me to feed my children, 
another to clothe them, another to educate 
them, and another to train them to some credi- 
table and useful employment ? All this, you 
might say very properly in reply, is absurd ; 
your obligations rest on the dictates of nature. 
Very true, I answer, and is not renewed na- 
ture to have a voice, and something to teach, 
which is far higher still ? 

PATRIARCHAL USAGES. 

In the narratives of sacred writ, in the 
characters of those holy men of old, our path 
of duty is with clearness pointed out. In 
patriarchal times, worship was almost invaria- 
bly domestic in its character. One of the first 
acts upon record, after the destruction of the 
old world, was an act of social piety — of family 
worship. After Noah and his wife, and his 



4 6 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



sons, and his sons' wives with him, had gone 
forth out of the ark, "Noah builded an altar 
unto the Lord, and took of every clean beast, 
and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt 
offerings upon the altar; and the Lord, on 
behalf of Noah and his family, smelled a sweet 
savor." In the families of Abraham, the wor- 
ship of God, in the religious training of his 
household, is, indeed, the subject of marked 
approval. " I know him," saith the Almighty, 
"that he will command his children and his 
household after him, and they shall keep the 
way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." 
Wherever the patriarch Jacob went, there he 
erected an altar unto the Lord ; and notwith- 
standing his very checkered life, yet, in every 
place, God. gave him a satisfactory token of 
his approval and blessing. 

THE LAW OF MOSES. 

The religious instruction of families, doubt- 
less as a branch of domestic worship, is sol- 
emnly enjoined in the law of Moses. " These 
words which I command thee this day shall 
be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them 
diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of 
them when thou sittest in thine house, and 
when thou walkest by the way, and when thou 
liest down and when thou risest up ; and thou 



The Family Institution. 



47 



shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, 
and they shall be as frontlets between thine 
eyes, and thou shalt write them upon the posts 
of thy house and on thy gates." (Genesis vi., 
4-9-) 

THE EVILS OF IGNORANCE. 

Ignorance is the negation of all moral ex- 
cellencies. The soul without knowledge is not 
good. Ignorance is a state, cold and cheerless, 
by which the finer feelings of the human soul 
are locked up, and the individual is deprived 
of the happiness that would arise from their 
culture and exercise. All the pleasures of the 
uninformed, if pleasures they can be called, 
arise from external objects; and when satiated 
with these, having no mental resources, no 
power of producing enjoyment from their own 
thoughts and reflections, they sink unto empti- 
ness and bewilderment, little better than idiot- 
ism itself : whereas knowledge is power, and 
wisdom is better than strength. Instruction is 
to the mind what culture is to the plant. The 
mind of an infant is said to be a perfect blank, 
without intelligence, or even conscious exis- 
tence, but it cannot long remain so : like the 
neglected soil, weeds will be seen to spring up 
without effort; but, as products of the native 
earth, so early in life ideas begin to shoot, 



4 8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



habits begin to form, and propensities to pre- 
vail. As soon as there is a capacity for the 
reception of instruction, then it should be com- 
municated. " In the morning sow thy seed." 
Children should be taught repeatedly. " My 
dear," said the venerable saint Wesley, to his 
devoted wife Susanna, " you teach that child 
the same thing twenty times over, why do you 
do so?" " Why, my dear," was her calm and 
significant reply, " because nineteen times wont 
do." So, for successful effort, there needs 
"line upon line, and precept upon precept." 

INSTRUCTION. 

Another means necessary to be observed in 
the promotion of household religion is Instruc- 
tion. Example, it must be allowed, possesses 
an instructive influence : it silently and unob- 
trusively courts the attention of thoughtful 
minds ; but the purest examples cannot always 
command success. Children and young people 
are often thoughtless, unaccustomed to reflec- 
tion, their minds are easily influenced, and 
foolishness is bound up in their hearts. Reli- 
gion is not always acceptable, pleasure is 
courted and embraced. Darkness is put for 
light, and light for darkness. Hence where 
religious instruction is forborne family religion 
will not flourish. 



The Family Institution, 



49 



It is recorded of Prince Albert, sometimes 
called "Albert the Good," that he spent several 
hours a day in training the royal children in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and 
in the supervision of their general education ; 
that he examined every book put into their 
hands; that, while they had many teachers, 
he himself was their chief instructor, and that 
in all this he was ably supported by the Queen. 

The prince directed that a marble monu- 
ment be executed of Edward VI. and placed 
on the stair-case of Windsor Castle. The 
young and pious monarch is represented point- 
ing with his sceptre to this text on the page 
of an open Bible: "Josiah was eight years old 
when he began to reign, and he did that which 
was right in the sight of the Lord." This was 
intended as a lesson to the Prince of Wales 
and the other royal children. 

TRAINING. 

Successfully to bring up a family in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord, is among 
the greatest achievements of this life of warfare. 
Where a family is large there generally exists 
considerable diversity of constitutional temper- 
ament, where modified rule and authority is 
required to secure respectful and effective 
management. To do this impartially, requires 



50 The Domestic Sanctuary. 



a good share of practical acquaintance with 
human nature, a well-balanced mind, and steady 
attention to the development of the human 
heart. Diversity of characteristics existed 
largely in Jacob's family, and according to 
which his prophecy portrayed their future char- 
acter and destiny. (Gen. xlix., 1-27.) Jacob, as 
prince and a father in the patriarchal church, 
was not very successful in his family training. 
During the early part of his married life he was 
away from home engaged with his jealous and 
unscrupulous father-in-law. His family, in this 
respect, suffered as a consequence. 

It should be, the object of all persons having 
rising families to provide homes of their own, 
where no stranger intexmeddleth therewith; 
otherwise parental authority may be very much 
impaired, and what otherwise might be good 
and effective training, seriously imperilled. 
But no matter how wise the government, or 
how judiciously administered, some persons 
have no respect for it ; others heedlessly dis- 
regard it, while others violently object to its 
authority and rule. 

Children love dominion : this is their ear-, 
liest and most predominant propensity. Their 
will is their only law, and, long before they can 
speak, they grow peevish, fretful, sullen and out 
of humor, if their wills happen to be crossed. 



The Family Institution. 



51 



I will, or I won't, are reiterated in every nursery, 
and found in every child's vocabulary. But 
children must be governed; their wills must 
be subdued; they must be made to do what, 
in many instances, they dislike. Subordina- 
tion, and not sovereignty, is their province. 
Where children can be governed by love alone, 
chastisement must be forborne ; but this can 
rarely be done. A parent must be reverenced; 
feared as well as loved. There are children so 
intolerably insolent and obstinately perverse, 
that nothing short of correction will conquer 
them. They must be punished to be governed. 
But punishment should be judiciously inflicted : 
moral delinquencies, and not accidental errors, 
should be the grounds of punishment. To 
chastise a child indiscriminately for every mis- 
take, partakes more of savage barbarity than 
salutary discipline, and totally defeats the de- 
sign which chastisement should have in view. 
The precepts and teachings of the sacred 
scriptures should be well studied and observed, 
in order to the judicious correction of child- 
ren. " He that spareth the rod hateth his 
son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him 
betimes.'' (Prov. xiii., 24.) " Chasten thy son 
while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare 
for his crying." (Prov. xix., 18.) "We have 
had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, 



5^ 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



and we gave them reverence." (Heb. xii., 9.) 
"A prudent and kind mother," says Locke, 
" of my acquaintance, was forced to whip her 
little daughter, at her first coming home from 
nurse, eight times successively the same morn- 
ing, before she could master her stubbornness. 
If she had left off sooner, and stopped at the 
seventh whipping, she had spoiled the child 
for ever, and by her unprevailing blows only 
confirmed her refractoriness, very hard after- 
wards to be cured; but wisely persisting till 
she had bent her mind and suppled her will, — 
the only end of correction and chastisement, — 
she established her authority thoroughly on the 
very first occasion, and had ever after a very 
ready compliance and obedience in all things 
from her daughter; for as this was the first 
time, so I think it was the last, she ever struck 
her." 

GOVERNMENT. 

Another very essential method is the exer- 
cise of good government. All government 
originated in patriarchal or parental authority, 
and families contain the rudiments of empires; 
and as the happiness of a nation may be pro- 
moted by the wisdom and justice of the legis- 
lature, so the welfare of a family depends most 
essentially on its government. He who is at 
the head of a family is bound to govern 



The Family Institution. 



53 



it. How difficult the undertaking, to shun the 
opposite extremes of remissness and severity ; 
what wisdom, and patience, and firmness are 
required to govern a family in the fear of the 
Lord. 

The government of a householder over his 
domestics should be exercised for moral and 
religious purposes. By virtue of his authority, 
he should restrain them from all questionable 
society and places of entertainment. Young 
people who are suffered to deck themselves out 
in all the finery of fashion, to have a wide range 
of acquaintance, to mingle with promiscuous 
society, and frequent places of public amuse- 
ment, can scarcely fail to become proficients in 
the school of iniquity. And it should not be 
forgotten, that what are technically termed 
innocent amusements, are often pregnant with 
moral results of tremendous import. Dinah 
went out to see the daughters of the land. 
(Gen. xxxiv., i.) Her personal attractions won 
the heart of Shecham, and led to an illicit con- 
nection ; then came a deep, designing and dis- 
sembled act of villany, and, lastly, a general and 
horrid massacre of all the male inhabitants of 
the city. 

The wicked and scandalous conduct of Eli's 
sons was reputed to their father's criminal in- 
dulgence: " His sons made themselves vile, and 



54 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



he restrained them not." Restraint was prac- 
ticable, and he who allows wicked indulgences 
to exist when he has the power of preventing 
them, becomes partaker of other men's sins, 
and will be dealt with accordingly. Family 
government does not end with restraint : duty 
requires that the domestics sanctify the Sab- 
bath, frequent the house of God, engage in the 
act of public worship, and practise the virtues 
of justice, temperance and sobriety. 

The value of home influence for both worlds 
can hardly be over-rated. Like the Sabbath, 
wedded life is a precious relic and reminiscence 
of Eden, where it appears in any near resem- 
blance to its true ideal. No other institution of 
human society is fraught with equal blessing. 
The family is the primal type of social organ- 
ization, and that which alone can claim to be 
based on divine authority. Any violation of 
its sanctities or weakening of its ties must mili- 
tate against the welfare of individuals and of 
nations ; any strengthening of its hold upon 
the human heart, and realization of its true 
spirit and design, will greatly tend to promote 
the happiness and elevation of mankind. 

Three things, at least, are necessary to the 
building up the character of a well regulated 
family, Authority, Affection, Religion. Without 
Authority there will be neither peace nor order ; 



The Family Institution. 



55 



without Affection there will be no tenderness, 
no warmth, no mutual delight and joy; with- 
out Religion the other elements can only exist 
in a lower degree, while all the very noblest 
objects contemplated in its institution will be 
unrecognized and unattained. Happy the 
home whose borders are undivided by rebellion 
and mis-rule ; whose welcome portals furnish a 
calm retreat from the storms and tempests of 
life ; in whose bosom all the tenderest impulses, 
sympathies, and sensibilities of the human 
breast find their due encouragement and solace, 
their congenial sphere. Happy the home 
which enshrines and exercises all the sweet 
amenities of life : fellowship in sorrow, fellow- 
ship in joy, mutual confidence and respect,' 
eager emulation in all good offices, elevating 
communion, attachments strong and pure, and 
love that never fails. Happiest of all when the 
Friend of Mary and Martha and Lazarus 
" abides in the house," and the apostle's idea is 
realized of " the church in the house;" its daily 
life being so ordered upon christian principles, 
and so pervaded by a christian tone and spirit, 
that the earthly association becomes a sancti- 
fied discipline for, and earnest of, heaven. 

THE INFLUENCE OF EXAMPLE. 

Household religion may be promoted by 
the influence of example. It is a prevailing 



56 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



law in nature for brutes instinctively to copy 
the actions of their species. Man gathers 
knowledge from external objects, and tries to 
improve upon what others have done. Minds 
possess the mysterious power of assimilation, 
and morals are not unfrequently the transcript 
of others ; hence, no man can be solitary, good 
or bad. The contagion of vice, or the influence 
of virtue, is quickly communicated. Living 
models of excellence daily set before our eyes, 
can scarcely fail to win attention and excite 
emulation ; and if good example shines in one 
place more that another, it is in the seclusion 
of domestic life. In the walks of commerce, or 
the bustle of business, man has to be seen, for 
he has to " provide things honest in the sight 
of all men :" but there his stay is short, his 
demeanor cautious and circumspect. But in 
the bosom of his family his character is fairly 
developed: here his example meets every eye, 
and attracts the attention of every spectator ; 
they see him as an Israelite indeed — "a. man 
on earth devoted to the skies." Such was the 
service David set before him in his daily life 
among his family. " I will walk within my 
house with a perfect heart ; I will set no wicked 
thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of 
them that turn aside, it shall not cleave unto 
me." (Ps. ci., 3.) Those who wish to be a 



The Family Institution, 



blessing to their households, should themselves 
be rich in blessings, abounding in all good 
things. Their characters should be models for 
others. The levity of their children's disposi- 
tion should be curbed by the habitual serious- 
ness of their own, and their conduct generally 
towards all their domestics so consistent, that 
with the Apostle they may say, " Those things 
which ye have both learned and received, and 
seen in me, do ; and the God of peace shall be 
with you." 



CHAPTER VI. 



FAMILY WORSHIP — THE CONSTANT AND DEVOUT 
USE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 

Almighty God, in condescension to our 
fallen condition, has been pleased to reveal to 
us what the instincts of reason or the force of 
example never could have furnished us with, 
that is, a declaration of His will ; a copy of 
His mind ; a transcript of His nature. To be 
ignorant of these truths is to be ignorant of 
the requirements of religion. 

It was because the pagan world " did not 
like to retain God in their knowledge" that 
God gave them over to a reprobate mind. 
The knowledge of the truth constitutes the 
whole difference betwixt savage and civilized 
society; for to the improvement of the mind 
all nations have owed the improvement of con- 
dition. The comforts and conveniences of life, 
useful acts, salutary laws, and good govern- 
ments, are all the products of knowledge. Ig- 
norant men may be made enthusiasts, they 
may be made superstitious; but before they 
can be made rational, steady and consistent 
Christians, they must be enlightened. 



Family Worship, 



59 



The doctrines and requirements of holy 
writ we are explicitly enjoined to teach dili- 
gently to our children. When thou liest down 
and when thou risest up, is the law on this point. 
A cordial reception of the word of truth — the 
submission of our hearts and lives to its teach- 
ings — must indeed be regarded as essential to 
the right discharge of the varied duties which 
man owes to God and his fellow men. The law 
of the Lord is perfect, converting the sold ; the 
testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the 
simple. Here God, our maker, stands revealed 
in all the attributes and perfections of His 
character — in all the requirements of His truth 
and will. Here the plan of salvation is, in all 
its simplicity and energy and fullness, made 
known and enforced. Here is to be found 
whatever is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, 
for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 
How important it is, then, that our children 
(from earliest infancy), that all intrusted to 
our care, be familiarized with the truths thus 
essential to their highest welfare, and requisite 
as a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their 
path: and where, we ask, can this be more 
interestingly or more impressively done than 
when surrounding the domestic altar, where 
the sanctions of worship unite with the endear- 
ments of social life in rendering the mind more 



6o 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



directly susceptible of the influence and con- 
trol of religious truth ? The domestic form, too, 
in which much that is instructive and admoni- 
tory in holy scripture is presented to our view. 
The narratives there given of parental fidelity 
and its beneficial results ; of parental remiss- 
ness and its consequent evil; of filial piety as 
rewarded by God, and filial disobedience in 
connection with its curse, seem to refer to the 
domestic altar as a place where truths of this 
kind may be most appropriately and efficiently 
enforced. How much, also, do parents and 
masters, as well as their dependants, need line 
upon line, precept upon precept, on the doc- 
trines and duties of religion. Common as is 
the act of reading the scriptures, and liable 
thereby to be undervalued, it must not be for- 
gotten that our deepest and richest instruction 
comes from this source ; and, therefore, the 
most reverential guard should be placed around 
this part of our domestic religious service. 
Where there is a taste for music and singing, 
let it be sanctified by .a morning and evening 
Itymn, that the little church in the house may 
have its full service in instruction, and prayer, 
and praise. 

PRAYER. 

Another important duty, and one that con- 
tributes very largely to the establishment and 



Family Worship. 



furtherance of family religion, is prayer. There 
are few persons such novices in religion as not 
to know that prayer is personally beneficial to 
us. It averts many evils and procures for us 
many blessings. By it we draw nigh to God, 
pour out our hearts before him, and secure his 
approbation : for the prayer of the upright is 
his delight. 

Where prayer is restrained, duties remain 
unfulfilled, privileges unenjoyed, happiness un- 
felt, and heaven, with all its glories, eternally 
forfeited. God has made it imperative that 
we offer up prayers, supplications and interces- 
sions for all men, and has he no disposition to 
answer us? Must our sympathies, in the be- 
half of others, be awakened in vain, or only to 
return into our own bosom disappointed and 
sore grieved? No; on a subject in which our 
dearest interests are involved, wo are not left to 
such doubtful conjecture. The Bible abounds 
with facts and promises of the most encourag- 
ing character. "The effectual fervent prayer 
of a righteous man availeth much." How 
powerful were the pleadings of the father of 
the faithful on behalf of the impious Sodom 
and Gomorrah, and how inexpressibly gracious 
and condescending were the answers of God 
to him in reference to those awfully depraved 
cities. When a son was promised to Abraham 



62 



7776 Domestic Sanctuary. 



in his old age, he, fearing that his former son 
would be overlooked amidst the profusion of 
favors prepared for the latter, said unto God, 
" O that Ishmael might live before Thee!" and 
the divine answer was, "I have heard thee: 
behold, I have blessed him." When the reit- 
erated murmurings of Israel had so far pro- 
voked God, as to lead Him to threaten to 
exterminate them and their whole race, Moses 
interposed and interceded, saying, " Pardon, 
I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people;" 
and the Lord said, " I have pardoned accord- 
ing to thy word." Upon another occasion, 
under appalling apprehensions of the displea- 
sure of the Almighty for their great obstinacy 
in asking a king, they appealed to Samuel, 
saying, " Pray for thy servants unto the Lord 
thy God, that we die not ;" and he said, " God 
forbid that I should sin against the Lord in 
ceasing to pray for you." (ist Sam. xii., 23.) 
With such examples before our eyes, examples 
drawn from the records of infallible truth, who 
can estimate the power and importance of such 
an exercise, daily brought to bear upon our 
family training and example? Who can esti- 
mate the folly of a parent attempting to train 
up the members of a numerous family in the 
way they should go, without a family altar or 
family sacrifice? Any professedly christian 



Family Worship. 



63 



parent who did not pray for his children and 
domestics, would be a paradox too preposter- 
ous for credibility, but it is to be lamented 
that many may be found who totally neglect to 
pray with them. 

The domestic union, though fraught with 
many peculiar joys and interests, is liable to 
its own peculiar temptations. Whatever rela- 
tions we sustain, or whatever state of life we 
live in a family, we are liable to come into 
frequent collision in points of difference in the 
minds and tempers of those who live with us, 
however dear they may be to us as relatives, 
or however much we may respect them as 
domestics. We shall regard ourselves as 
suffering from them, and they may consider 
themselves as being tried by us : and many a 
word that had better never have been spoken 
may have passed on either side, a word that 
either side would gladly, if it were possible, 
forget. - 

But oh, how this tendency is lessened, where 
all parties concerned meet before the throne of 
grace, taking common ground, confess their 
common sin, and plead for the extension of one 
common mercy. They all feel that unkind 
tempers are totally inconsistent with a lowly 
approach to the Majesty of heaven. Plain and 
open prayer and open sin cannot go on 



6 4 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



together; the one or the other must soon be 
given up. Prayer is also a bond of union, an 
outlet affording a scope for the deep and deli- 
cate affections of the heart. Many children 
and domestics have, while kneeling at family 
worship, been deeply affected, in hearing 
petition after petition offered up to God in 
their own behalf, and have often retired sub- 
dued and softened from the scene. 

THE TIME FOR FAMILY DEVOTION. 

The service having been arranged, next in 
importance is the most convenient and proper 
time for the exercise. Morning and evening of 
each day may be regarded as the most appro- 
priate seasons for domestic worship. 

The required presentation under the Mosaic 
economy of the morning and evening sacrifice 
may be an intimation of the will of God in res- 
pect of this. Morning and evening continually 
were the priests to offer burnt offerings unto 
the Lord ; to stand every morning to thank 
and praise the Lord, and likewise at even. 
" Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and 
evening to rejoice." These natural divisions of 
our time seem of themselves to summon to the 
performance of religious duty. The sun rising 
in brightness, cometh out of his chamber, re- 
joicing as a young man to run a race, diffusing 



Family Worship. 



65 



far and wide the light of heaven, seems almost 
audibly to call upon everything that hath 
breath, to praise and magnify the Lord; while 
the shades of evening invite us to wanted and 
refreshing rest, under the watchful care of Him 
whose eyelids never close. 

The most convenient time for the several 
members of the family, should be decided upon 
for the performance of religious worship, and 
conscientiously and rigidly adhered to. With 
many years' experience, we have found the most 
suitable time to be immediately before breakfast 
in the morning, and immediately after supper in 
the evening. These seasons of domestic wor- 
ship should be held sacred, allowing of no 
interruption. Extremes of haste and tedious- 
ness should be avoided. Hurried worship indi- 
cates an undevotional spirit, and borders on 
irreverance and presumption. The scriptures 
should be read, not promiscuously, but in order: 
the New Testament in the morning, and the Old 
Testament in the evening, judiciously omitting 
such portions not intended for domestic edifi- 
cation. A somewhat slow and emphatic man- 
ner of reading, affording time for thinking on 
the great and blessed truths which are incul- 
cated, should be observed. The religion of 
the Bible is intended to pervade and sanctify 
everything we do, and every motive by which 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



we leave a thing- undone. It is intended to 
sweeten every temper, animate every glance of 
the eye, soften every rugged point of contact. 
It must determine what ought to be done first, 
and what last what ought to be done at all 
hazards, and what ought not to be done at all. 
It is not something apart from our wisdom, affec- 
tion, prudence, sense of propriety, and princi- 
ples of order, but rather the soul and strength 
of them all. 

The neglect of family religion has a more 
desolating effect upon the cause of godliness 
in general, than any other sin of omission 
whatever. God's constitution is violated, and 
individuals are out of the reach of pastoral 
oversight. God " setteth the solitary in 
families" in order that those families may re- 
plenish His house with worshippers and heaven 
with glorified saints. But the neglector of 
family worship is not a common sinner, he is 
not one that sins and dies alone. He is like 
one that sinks the ship in which he is sailing, en- 
gulphing his fellow-passengers in his own ruin. 

THE CONFERENCE ADDRESS. 

In the rules of the Wesleyan Church— all of 
which, in the estimation of its founders, we are 
.taught of God to observe, and which His spirit 
writes on every truly awakened heart — the duty 
of family prayer occupies a very prominent 



Family Worship. 



6 7 



position. The Conference, as the collective 
pastorate, has repeatedly urged the attention 
of its members, to erect a family altar on which 
morning and evening sacrifices shall be duly 
offered. To train children and dependents in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and 
to preserve fidelity and affection in the exercise 
of all salutary restraint and discipline, is the 
imperative and indispensible office of everyone 
to whom the God of the families of the whole 
earth has intrusted a domestic charge. " Let it 
be your prayer and labour, that your families may 
be decidedly Christian ; sacred inclosures dedi- 
cated, in the wilderness of this world, to God ; 
nurseries of the church from which may be 
trees planted, such trees of righteousness as 
when your own leaf has withered, shall stand 
in the courts of the Lord, and flourish in the 
house of our God. Domestic heathenism can- 
not be consistent with individual piety. Family 
prayer is necessary to obtain the sanctification 
of our mutual relationships, and of our family 
joys and sorrows. It is a safeguard against 
sin. And, what is more than all, it brings down 
upon what ought to be a church in our house, 
a holy influence which prepares both parents 
and children for their various places in the 
church catholic, which is the aggregate of all 
household churches," 



CHAPTER VII. 



DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIPS. 

In the composition of a religious household, 
where children and domestics form the circle, 
there is one fact that cannot be ignored — all 
are not equal, neither in the domestic economy 
nor in the covenant relationship. Our child- 
ren are given as a heritage, along with certain 
well-defined conditions, which conditions can- 
not be omitted with impunity; whereas domes- 
tics are subjects of convenience — they are on 
hire. From social respect, or self-interest, 
they may conform to the required rules of the 
household, practically they may be religious or 
otherwise. When the convenience is served, 
the connection dissolves, and they become 
members of another circle, with which we have 
no liberty to interfere^ 

MASTERS AND SERVANTS. 

We are here reminded of that diversity of 
rank which has prevailed in the world from the 
earliest ages. Some men of limited attainments 
contend that, as we are all the offspring of one 



Domestic Relationships. 



6 9 



common parent, that we have equal right to 
all the blessings of Providence, and that there 
ought to be perfect equality with regard to 
property and condition. But such theories are 
vain and impracticable. Mankind differ im- 
mensely in their mental faculties and endow- 
ments. It would appear as if some people 
were intended to think, to plan and direct, 
while others are so dull and heavy at observ- 
ing anything, that they stand in the way of 
progress, and never excel. Were all men equal 
to-day, they would not be so to-morrow. The 
ignorant and foolish can never be placed on 
a permanent equality with wise men; men of 
questionable honesty with men of integrity and 
uprightness. " The race is not to the swift, 
nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread 
to the wise, nor yet riches to men of under- 
standing, nor yet favor to men of skill." (Eccl. 
ix., 11.) Nevertheless, in consequence of the 
depravity of human nature, it has given rise to 
feelings and actions alike dishonorable to God 
and man. In many instances the rich have 
treated the poor, not only with neglect and in- 
difference, but with scorn and contempt. On 
the other hand, the poor have often regarded 
their wealthy neighbors with envy, have coveted 
their property, and used unlawful means to 
possess it. 



70 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



The relation between master and servant 
has not always been of the happiest character. 
How many masters, having stipulated for a 
certain amount of labor, are anxious only to 
secure the strict fulfilment of the contract on 
the part of the servant ; are regardless of the 
welfare of the servant, whether he be ignorant 
or intelligent, pious or wicked, happy or miser- 
able, and, finally, whether he be lost or saved. 
At the same time, many a servant desires and 
aims at nothing more than to obtain his wages 
and avoid severe censure. True religion cor- 
rects these evils. It produces a spirit of justice, 
equity and love. It inspires the mind with the 
fear of God, and a supreme regard for His 
authority. It renders the rich man the guar- 
dian and benefactor of the poor, and it makes 
the poor cheerful, contented and honest. It 
creates in the master an affectionate interest in 
the welfare of his servants, especially their 
religious welfare ; and it renders the servant 
faithful and diligent, intent upon promoting 
his master's honor and advantage. It will not 
suffer him to spend his time in indolence, nor 
waste his master's goods ; nor will it tolerate a 
spirit of insolence or insubordination. Such 
is' the conduct enjoined by the teaching of the 
New Testament. How beautifully do we find all 
this exemplified in the primitive ages. When 



Domestic Relationships, 



Boaz, a Jewish farmer, went into his harvest 
field, he did not approach his servants with a 
sullen and haughty reserve, or uttering passion- 
ate invectives, nor was his presence an inter- 
ruption of their pious cheerfulness. He said 
unto the reapers, " The Lord be with you," 
and they answered, " The Lord bless thee." 
(Ruth ii., 4.) A master thus invoking blessings 
upon his servants, could not treat them with 
injustice or unkindness ; and servants who thus 
reciprocated the pious benediction of their 
master, could not injure his property or neglect 
their duty. 

THE CENTURION AT CAPERNAUM. 



We have another illustration in the centu- 
rion and his servant at Capernaum (a cen- 
turion was an officer in the Roman army in 
command of a hundred men). It is said that 
"He had a servant who was dear to him," and 
when he was sick and ready to die, "being," as 
St. Matthew states, "afflicted with the palsy 
and grievously tormented," his master's heart 
yearned over him, and he used every means to 
obtain for him relief and recovery. All pre- 
vious efforts having so far failed, he makes 
application to the Lord Jesus for the exercise 
of His healing pow r er. 



72 



7776 Domestic Sanctuary. 



The narrative does not inform us by what 
means the servant had gained such an affec- 
tionate hold of his master as to become so 
"dear to him." It may have been his happy 
and cheerful consistency, and the uniform at- 
tention to the duties and religious obligations 
of every day life. He had great influence with 
his master. Most likely it was through the 
pious zeal of this "dear servant" that the 
master had been led to abandon heathenism 
and embrace the Jewish religion, and become 
a lover of its sacred and divine records. If 
so, do we wonder at such a servant being dear 
to such a master? When it is said that the 
servant was "dear" to his master, a word is 
used which signifies esteem and honor, as well 
as affection ; and when the centurion says, 
" My servant shall be healed," he does not use 
a term expressive of humiliation and servitude, 
but of tender endearment, as if he had said, 
" My child shall be healed." It is evident their 
hearts clave to each other, as more than human 
friendship subsisted between them. Piety was 
doubtless the bond of their union. The Holy 
Spirit creates in all His cRildren a oneness of 
feeling, purpose and thought, so that, notwith- 
standing their disparity of rank, attainment, 
and natural character, they enjoy the true 
communion of saints. Let no one suppose 



Domestic Relationships. 



73 



that this spiritual equality and affection is sub- 
versive of order or just authority. The most 
perfect of all government is the government of 
holy love. This remark will apply to both 
families and the Church. Ecclesiastical dis- 
cipline was never more perfect than at Jerusa- 
lem, "when the whole multitude of them that 
believed were of one heart and of one soul." 
In proportion as men are brought under the 
influence of religion, so will they " obey civil 
governors for the Lord's sake;" and those who 
are in a state of servitude, in "obeying their 
masters, serve the Lord Christ." 

There is no obedience like this, as the cen- 
turion himself proved. His piety and kindness, 
so far from impairing his authority , enhanced and 
intensified it. And the probability is, that a 
master more respected, or an officer more 
efficient, did not then exist. The obedience 
which he received from all under his charge 
was remarkable for its promptitude and cheer- 
fulness. Speaking of his authority as an officer, 
he himself remarks, " I say to one soldier, go, 
and he goeth, and to another, come, and he 
cometh ; and to my servant, do this, and he 
doeth it." Many a man vested with official 
authority deems it requisite to assume an 
artificial sternness, and even to use profane 
language, that he may command due respect 



74 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



and obedience ; but it may be justly questioned 
whether any of these ungodly pretenders are, 
in fact, clothed with half the authority exer- 
cised by this very devout soldier. Personal 
religion, in whatever station it moves, gives 
clearness and vigor to the understanding, power 
and tenderness to the conscience; it enables 
its possessor to meet even painful duties with 
calmness and dignity, and his prayers bring 
down the blessing of God upon his entire path. 

PHILEMON, AND ONESIMUS HIS SERVANT. 

The epistle to Philemon is a representative 
case of an unconverted man-servant residing 
with a religious family. The religious element 
pervading the house is not congenial to his 
carnal mind ; its discipline is regarded as ob- 
trusive and arbitrary. To observe the Sabbath 
as an holiday, and go to church when conve- 
nient, he has no objection, but to be required 
to attend family prayer and the devout reading 
of the holy scriptures twice a day during the 
week, is a yoke too intolerable to endure, and 
his spirit rises in hostility against it. He can- 
not see what enjoyment there is, nor what 
advantage is to be derived from making the 
rule so imperative. The cheerful tones and 
happy spirits of the family, with the members 
of the Ghuixh that meet in Philemon's house, 



Domestic Relationships. 



75 



he despises in his heart, and, if he could, would 
secretly frown them down. Soon his unhappy 
spirit grew into conspiracy and rebellion against 
his master's authority and claims. His ungod- 
liness soon became obstinate wickedness; he 
was not only unprofitable, but injurious, until 
at length he threw of all restraint and ran 
away from his master's service, and in order 
to avoid detection fled to Rome. In this rash 
action he committed a great sin of presump- 
tuous daring, by ignoring the goodness, and 
repudiating the claims, of divine providence. 
A great privilege had been conferred upon him 
in placing him in the house of Philemon. Few 
such families then existed, for while darkness 
covered the earth and gross darkness the peo- 
ple, light was in the dwelling in which it was 
his happiness to live. To disparage such ad- 
vantages, and contemptuously to run away, 
was disreputable in the extreme. But in the 
perils of travel, whether by sea or land, the 
sun was not allowed to smite him by day nor 
the moon by night. At length he is at the 
summit of his ambition — the great city at that 
time the metropolis of the world. In place 
of finding there the sum of all human happi- 
ness, it was the place where Satan eminently 
had his seat, and almost reigned supreme. 
(Rom. i., 28-32.) Many people mistake the 



76 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



nature of true happiness as well as the means 
to obtain it. Because many crowd in at the 
wide gate and throng the broad road, we are 
not to suppose that they are the wisest and 
happiest people on earth. 

Onesimus, while in Rome, — without a home 
or a friend, his little patrimony all gone, — began 
to be in want, and, like the prodigal in a far 
country, to reflect on his condition. The hired 
house of the apostle with free access was open 
to him. In the extremity of destitution, he 
goes and makes known to him an account of 
his life and adventures. A review so searching, 
and a confession so penetential, was evidently 
from a godly sorrow which worketh repentance 
unto salvation. The spirit of grace, though 
slighted and grieved, had not given him up 
and departed, but was taking advantage of 
his altered circumstances in effecting a change 
in his life and character. Being renewed in 
the spirit of his irfffid, the apostle regards him 
as his spiritual child and brother beloved. 
Though converted and made a new creature, 
yet his circumstances were very critical and 
delicate. He had involved himself in moral 
and legal difficulties in running away, but was 
now willing to return and make good, if pos- 
sible, for the trespass he had committed, if 
Philemon was willing to receive him and accept 



Domestic Relationships. 



77 



his conditions. To effect a reconciliation, and 
obtain for him a favorable reception with his 
master, the apostle wrote the epistle to Phile- 
mon, and sent it by him, thus making his return 
a subject of special pleading; at the same time 
making himself responsible, not only for his 
past indebtedness, but for his future conduct. 
The apostle's estimate of a religious servant is 
great. They are the source of unrestricted 
confidence and general prosperity. 

The heathen master of Joseph in Egypt, 
saw that the Lord was with Joseph, and that 
the Lord made all that he did to prosper in 
his hand. (Gen. xxxix.; 3.) Moses also adds, 
that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for 
Joseph's sake ; and the blessing of the Lord was 
upon all that he had in the house, and in the 
field. Great temporal profits have often re- 
sulted to families from the prudence and in- 
tegrity of intelligent and pious servants, and 
the spiritual profit arising from the examples, 
prayers and conversation of such persons has, 
in many cases, been strikingly manifested. 
Whole families, in some instances, have been 
brought out of darkness into light by the 
instrumentality of a pious servant. Many such 
cases are recorded in the Wesleyan magazines. 

Our Lord appeared in the form of a servant. 
The apostle directs that " Servants adorn the 



7 8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



doctrine of God our Saviour in all things/' 
" Servants, obey in all things your masters 
according to the flesh; not with eye-service, 
as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, 
fearing God : and whatsoever ye do, do it 
heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ; 
knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the 
reward of the inheritance : for ye serve the 
Lord Christ." (Col. iii., 2.2.) Thus it is that 
Christianity invests even the ordinary duties of 
life with a character of holiness. They are to 
be discharged with purity of affection and joy- 
ous simplicity of purpose; and the Lord Jesus 
deigns to accept them as acts of direct obedi- 
ence to His will, which He will reward with 
everlasting treasure in heaven. 

FEMALE SERVANTS. 

In this relationship the scriptures do not 
present so extensive a supply of diversified 
circumstances for illustration as in the relation 
of masters and men-servants. We must there- 
fore seek our information in the common walks 
of everyday life. 

It is a very important consideration to a 
family when they judge it necessary to take a 
stranger every now and then into their circle. 
Such persons may be worthy of confidence, 
if truthful and honest ; they may contribute 



Domestic Relationships. 



79 



much to the comfort and welfare of the 
house, if orderly and economical ; they may 
make a happy home for themselves and all con- 
cerned, if pious, intelligent and respectful: but 
if these essential qualities to peace and har- 
mony are lacking, what a bedlam of confusion 
and uproar must, occasionally, unavoidably 
occur ! What is there more degrading to the 
character of a servant than wilful, deliberate 
lying ? and what more irritating to the ruler of 
the house than no confidence in what tl^e ser- 
vant says ? How perplexing it must be to a 
mistress, if, when out, any duties she wishes at- 
tended to during her absence are neglected, and 
disorder and loss the consequence ? How far 
it may be prudential to refer to the habits of 
such may be questionable : by doing so we may 
offend against the generation of those who are 
struggling hard to pursue a more honorable 
coarse through life. The unfortunate may have 
been objects more to be pitied than blamed. 
Many of them, no doubt, never knew T what the 
rules and requirements of home meant, nor 
what the comforts of home were like, until they 
left their homeless home under the cravings of 
appetite and the influence of stern authority, 
and found themselves beneath the fostering 
care of those well reported for their good 
works, " Who have brought up children, lodged 



8o 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



strangers, washed the saints' feet, relieved the 
afflicted, and diligently followed every good 
work." (i Tim. v., 10.) Some of these may 
never have had an opportunity to break away 
from "the snares of youth, and rise in moral and 
social virtue, and gain a character and reputa- 
tion that would place them above the unscru- 
pulous jealousies of the fearful and unbelieving. 
Is there not a great lack of interest prevailing 
among us in reference to the principles and 
habits of social life? Notwithstanding our 
noble educational facilities, and in the absence 
of the factory system, or any other employ- 
ment of children on a large scale, which serves 
as an apology for the educational defects of 
some countries, yet what little provision is 
made for their religious or mental improve- 
ment. How few are provided with suitable 
books for reading, by which they may be in- 
structed in their personal and domestic duties, 
in the formation of their characters, and regu- 
lation of their lives. How few are provided 
with religious accommodation in our churches. 
Shelter and protection is provided for our 
cattle suitable to their requirements, but our 
servants have no place appointed to which they 
.are respectfully invited. If they venture to go 
to hear words whereby they may be saved, 
or to have their mind stirred up by way of 



Domestic Relationships. 



8l 



remembrance, they are very likely to obtrude 
upon the privacy of some family, and must be 
repulsed, or expose themselves to the jeering 
criticisms of the suspicious. This, to a servant 
who has been brought up under the watchful 
care of religious parents, is exceedingly repul- 
sive and disorderly. It places her respect for 
the family and her situation at a great discount ; 
and however suited she may be to her duties, 
yet no considerations of an earthly nature will 
be deemed a sufficient equivalent for a restric- 
tion in religious matters. 

How pleasant a reflection, just now, to pass 
in review the interesting associations of early 
life, when, "in the beautiful house in which our 
fathers worshipped," whole families, including 
business hands, domestic servants, parents arid 
.children, all congregated in one or more adjoin- 
ing pews, furnished with books and other con- 
veniences to aid in the worship of Almighty 
God : this system prevailing on an extensive 
scale among the religious families of the place. 
In the homes of some families a monthly peri- 
odical would be placed, embracing morality, 
religion, and general literature suitable to the 
wants and capacities of the parties concerned. 
The one designed for the use of those in the 
kitchen would frequently contain important 
chapters upon the duties of servants, memoirs 



82 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



of good servants, etc. A volume of such now 
lies before me, containing chapters on " Cleanli- 
ness," " Punctuality," " Our Homes," "Self," 
"Why do people read?" etc. Such interest 
taken in domestic management makes the ser- 
vants contented and happy; they see they. are 
not slighted, but that their welfare is studied 
and provided for; and although done at little 
cost, the effects upon all parties are inconceiv- 
able and lasting. The day of eternity will 
reveal the fruit. 

But is there no simple and easy method of 
raising the standard of social and domestic life 
of those unhappy, down-trodden victims of 
careless and criminal neglect ? The squalid 
poverty, with its accompanying evidence of 
rudeness and rags, acts as a barrier against all 
respectful considerations. To the honor of 
Hamilton, there are hospitals for the fatherless 
and deserted, but little or none to those who 
make any pretentions of a home. Many towns 
and country places have no available help for 
them. According to the instincts of nature 
and the law of God, such people may them- 
selves soon become wives and mothers : what 
a fearful state of things to contemplate to 
commence life and the responsibilities of the 
home with, when not only a succession, but 
a multiplication, of such unhappy events may 



Domestic Relationships. 



83 



be perpetrated. Will not some self-denying 
christian lady haste to the rescue, and give 
such the benefit of her piety, her intellect and 
experience, by acting the part of a mother? 
By being taught to read they will have access 
to the Bible; its truths will enlighten and in- 
vigorate ; " by taking heed to its precepts, it 
will teach them how to cleanse their way." 
It will show them the path of life, and where 
they may enjoy pleasures for evermore. The 
blessedness and enjoyments arising from a 
knowledge and possession of these things, will 
be theirs and their children's after them. 
But the reward and honor of communicating 
them will be yours. At the last day, when 
the reward of every person's work shall be 
given, your special and extraordinary efforts 
of patient self-denial, will be revealed, with this 
honorable commendation : " For as much as ye 
have done it unto one of the least of these my 
little ones, ye have done it unto me." 

In a free country like this, in which it is 
our happiness to live, servants can generally 
choose situations for themselves. Those who 
fear God will be very careful not to place them- 
selves in the families of profane people; they 
will prefer opportunities of christian fellow- 
ship, with a regular attendance upon religious 
ordinances dispensed by spiritual men, before 



8 4 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



all considerations of an earthly nature. Ser- 
vants so regulated will be a great boon to 
themselves and the entire household, as well 
as a great source of satisfaction and comfort 
in all matters requiring trust and confidence in 
household management. 

THE YOUNG MAN FROM HOME. 

The young man desirous to push his way 
into life and be the architect of his own for- 
tune, not only sacrifices the pleasures and en- 
dearments of home, but exposes himself to the 
temptations and allurements of untried life 
abroad. The man who went from Jerusalem to 
Jericho fell among thieves, who wounded him, 
and stripped him of his raiment, leaving him 
half dead. Similar calamities have crossed 
the path of many young men, on their first 
adventures from city to city. They should be 
very cautious how they listen to the counsel of 
the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or 
sit upon the seat of the scornful. There is also 
caution required, and better council needed, 
in the exciting objects of life. Let us for a 
moment look on the tendencies of events of the 
present day. Does not much of the literature 
in use among us engender false notions of 
human capability and duty? Fame is very 



Domestic Relationships. 



85 



often pictured before the youthful gaze in 
the most attractive colors. Imagination 
spreads her pinions, and pants to rise and revel 
in those high honors which Fortune with a 
lavish hand has scattered about her path. 
Listening and admiring youth are told amid 
exciting applause that they, too, may reach 
those elevations of greatness, because others 
have done so before them. Books on " Self- 
help," the " Lives of Great Men," the " Pursuit 
of Knowledge under Difficulties," and many of 
the public lectures and platform speeches of 
the age, tend to foster the conviction, that 
" what others have don£, all may accomplish." 
The effect may be sometimes to cheer a jaded 
spirit in its pursuit to attain a high standard of 
mental and moral excellence amid the turmoil 
of business ; but many have been inspired with 
erroneous views of their own capacity, and the 
design of an All-wise Providence concerning 
them, and produced discontent with their con- 
dition in life, and neglect of the legitimate 
means surrounding them of improving them- 
selves and others. 

There is a providence in human destiny. 
High on the eternal throne, God reigns and- 
governs according to the principles of His 
glorious administration and man's free agency. 
All wisdom proceedeth from Him. Men who 



86 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



change the aspect of the world, give a new 
direction to science, or arouse the religious 
spirit of a nation, are not mere accidents in the 
battlefield of life, but are set apart by Him who 
" giveth to every man severally as He will." 
Let not the young man behind the counter, or 
guiding the plough, cover his face with sadness 
as he gazes up to the positions where the fav- 
ored few have climbed, but with stout heart 
and diligent hand pursue his appointed task, 
and thereby fulfil the designs of God concern- 
ing him. 

Mistaken views of human capacity interfere 
greatly with the requirements of the age. The 
true secret of success is to use the power you 
have, and work while it is called to-day; then, if 
enlarged spheres of usefulness and honor open 
up before you, and your improved faculties of 
mind and character are equal to the undertak- 
ing, rise with them — God will train His illustri- 
ous ones for His work, and lead them forth to 
duty. Life is too short for mere theorizing. 
Its duties are numerous and pressing; its re- 
sponsibilities are definite and solemn ; its glories 
are grand and unending. A cheerful and ear- 
nest improvement of the present for human 
good and the Saviour's glory, will secure a 
happy future in time and deathless honors in 
eternity. 



Domestic Relationships. 



8 7 



The young man from home should seek for 
shelter in his temporary home, where the name 
of God is held sacred, and where there is a fam- 
ily altar erected, where the tone of feeling and 
the habits' of life derive their inspiration. He 
should take care that such privileges are not 
slighted by considering them troublesome or 
interfering with business, the plea of some im- 
portant engagement, or that they are dull 
and uninteresting, with other excuses, urged to 
get away from them. Such evasions will soon 
tell their own melancholy story upon the spirit- 
ual life and character of any young man. Over- 
indulgence in a morning, or staying out at night 
until the appointed hour for family worship is 
past, are sure tokens of spiritual weakness : 
spiritual lassitude has no heart for high and 
honorable service, but amidst plenty will lan- 
guish, sicken and die. It will be greatly to 
his advantage to be in full sympathy with the 
established arrangements of the household ; to 
have his own little interests so adjusted that 
whenever the signal is given for domestic wor- 
ship, he, with a cheerful promptitude, should 
enter upon its duties with sweet delight. The 
result will soon be self-evident in the emotion 
of a grateful heart and a cheerful countenance. 
He wall be like the sun coming out of his cham- 
ber, rejoicing as a young man to run a race. 



88 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



By systematic and conscientious devotedness 
to God and the interests of His cause, he secures 
a deep interest in the divine protection and 
guidance and blessing. He will appoint the 
bounds of his habitation, choose his inheritance 
for him, and make whatsoever he doeth to pros- 
per. A young man should be very attentive to 
the claims of his Bible. No disciple can expect 
to succeed in religion unless he cultivates inti- 
mate acquaintance with the mind and will of 
God. How is he to do the will of God unless 
he knows what that will is, and how is he to 
know it, unless he reads, marks, and inwardly 
digests it ? — two chapters, at least, should be 
read every day. 

I have known men so true to their purpose in 
this respect that no circumstances, however 
urgent, would be allowed to interfere. Some- 
times, after a day of great fatigue and weariness, 
nature sinks involuntarily into the arms of sleep ; 
he, like a faithful sentinel who will not sleep at 
his post, takes the light in one hand and the 
Bible in the other, and paces the room until the 
self-imposed task is completed. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



ABODES AND HABITS. 

One of the first and most important steps, 
in securing the permanent wellbeing of a 
christian household, is the judicious choice of 
a suitable location. Parents that rush with 
their families to crowded city or town, and 
without sufficient caution fix their dwelling- 
place, where both their health and morals are 
in danger of being injured, and where there is 
no protection from the surrounding influences 
of street associations and pastimes, make a 
great mistake. Such influences will act like a 
moral pestilence, both upon their health and 
character, and will, in all likelihood, involve 
them (unless an interposing Providence merci- 
fully prevents) in irretrevable ruin. A situation 
should be selected where the atmosphere is 
pure ; where the pure light of heaven is in full 
display all the day, "for it is a pleasant thing to 
see the sun;" in the immediate neighborhood 
of a good school, and within convenient dis- 
tance of the public worship of God : also, if 
possible, where two or three families of kindred 
sympathies can meet together in each other\s 



go 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



"homes," as the church in the house, and be 
"helpers together of each other's joy." 

There was one characteristic in the Jewish 
religion deserving our special consideration : 
that was its frequent washings and sprinklings 
of garments, vessels, and places, which were 
made literally clean ; its anointing and purifying; 
its order and arrangement. Although much 
of it might be ceremonial and typical, it shows 
us that there is at least an analogy between 
order and outward purity, and that outward 
purity must be agreeable to the Divine mind, 
though God has shown His approval of it rather 
in a figurative manner, than by making it 
known in .the form of law. Where there is a 
christian household who are dirty in their 
persons, and in their houses; irregular in their 
habits ; whose devotions, meals, arrange- 
ments, apartments, are all confusion and dis- 
order, it shows plainly that they hold their 
christian profession very cheaply and incon- 
sistently. Every one must feel that an orderly 
and clean dwelling, and a well regulated and 
calmly worked system of household arrange- 
ments, is eminently favorable to the worship of 
God, and will command respect from the family, 
and sway them into harmony of feeling and 
conformity of action to whatsoever things are 
lovely and of good report. 



Abodes and Habits. 



91 



THE CHARACTER AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOT 
AND HIS FAMILY IN SODOM. 

The character and circumstances of Lot 
and his family in Sodom, afford many striking 
illustrations of the preceding remarks. Abra- 
ham and Lot were relatives. Lot was Abra- 
ham's brother's son. His father was dead, and 
Abraham had been his honorable guardian. 
Under the wisdom and influence of Abraham, 
Lot became rich: indeed, the flocks and herds 
of both had greatly multiplied, so that the land 
was unable to bear them. The right of pas- 
turage had become a subject of painful dispute 
between the herdmen of the two masters. 
Abraham is the first to introduce the matter, 
and endeavor to quell the rising storm. He 
sought out Lot, and after stating the whole 
case, said, " Let there be no strife between 
me and thee, between my herdmen and thy 
herdmen, for we be brethren." Surely that was 
sufficient to lead to any sacrifice of feeling, to 
the sinking of any preferences and rights. 
Rather than the bond of peace should be 
broken, Abraham would suffer. The simple 
fact that they were family relatives ought to 
put an end to all strife. Abraham does not 
consult with his servants with a view of 
strengthening his own cause. He had already 



92 The Domestic Sanctuary. 

the stronger claim, either to remain where he 
was, or to choose the direction in which he 
would move. He might have said to Lot, 
" The land is too straight for us, we must part. 
I have looked around and decided to go east- 
ward, and you must go westward. I have 
cared for you, and assisted you until it is not 
convenient to do so any more. You must find 
a new home." Would there have been a single 
stain upon his reputation of impropriety or un- 
kindness? In this he was the older, the more 
powerful, yet such was the greatness of his 
character, that he submitted himself to Lot, say- 
ing, " Is not the whole land before thee? * * * 
If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go 
to the right, or if thou depart to the right, then 
I will go to the left." What true greatness ! 
Not that there is either poetry or grandeur 
about it, but an ordinary circumstance, an 
everyday occurrence ; therefore it seems all the 
more effective to bring out the real character of 
the men. And this is the true way to test men. 
Ordinary men may be wrought up to acts of 
daring heroism, but only great and good men 
act nobly in the ordinary affairs of everyday 
life. 

While these two men were discussing the 
prospects of their future lot, the neighboring 
landscape presented two widely different scenes. 



Abodes and Habits. 



93 



On one side was a rich and fertile land, green 
pastures, running brooks, never failing springs 
of water, and the Jordan rolling in the distance. 
The inspired writer appears to have been under 
a special inspiration when describing it. It 
was like the " Garden of the Lord," it was well 
watered everywhere. It was like the land of 
Egypt. And on the other side was compara- 
tive barreness. It was no trifle to a man 
whose substance consisted mainly in flocks 
and herds to give up this rich pasture land to 
another. But Abraham hesitated not. There 
were other things of graver importance which 
claimed his attention besides flocks and herds, 
so he let Lot have the preference. 

But what a contrast to this is recorded of 
the conduct of Lot. How we might have 
acted under similar circumstances we cannot 
tell. Perhaps we might have been as weak and 
base as he was. Abraham possessed those 
qualities which make the christian gentleman, 
while Lot betrayed a lack of them. Lot was 
under great obligations to Abraham. Many 
years before this, his father died, and Abraham 
had acted nobly a father's part ; had given him 
powerful protection, good example, wise advice, 
and beneath his shadow Lot had grown to his 
present estate. Every young man owes a 
debt of respect and gratitude to a father who 



94 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



nobly fills a father's place ; but if his father be 
taken away, and some one generously stands 
in the father's place, the respectful gratitude 
he owes to his benefactor is even greater than 
that he owed to his father. 

This was the position of Lot. Had. his 
heart been right, and his actions ruled by noble 
and generous principles, he would have de- 
clined his uncle's offer with a firm hand, and 
said, "No! I am greatly indebted to you. I 
am so much younger. Your claim is in every 
way much stronger, and I have such love and 
esteem for you that I shall esteem it a privi- 
lege to come in second to you." But, alas ! 
Lot did not rise to this. The prize was too 
great for him to lose, and, in his eagerness to 
grasp it, he sacrificed those nobler feelings that 
link us to heaven. There is nothing so much 
betrays an ignoble character as the greedy 
seizure of favors at the expense of others, 
especially where their generosity places them 
within our reach. 

When Lot looked out upon the beautiful 
scene spread before him, he saw a goodly for- 
tune. In those well-watered pastures his flocks 
would multiply exceedingly, and he might be- 
come one of the wealthiest men of the day. 
There he would have " good society." He 
might be in such a position as to be in social 



Abodes and Habits. 



95 



intercourse with the rich, and even be courted 
by the kings of the cities around him. He 
might be able to settle his daughters in good 
families, and make suitable provision for future 
glory and greatness. He might yet become 
the father of a great people, leaving his good- 
natured uncle far behind. 

But there was another side : "The men of 
Sodom were wicked, and sinners before the 
Lord exceedingly/' To be tempted, ensnared 
and corrupted by these men was the risk he 
had to run ; to be vexed and ruined by them, 
in character, in family, in fortune, was the fear- 
ful price he had to pay. But the desire of 
wealth, rank and greatness was so pressing 
that he was determined to run the risk. His 
subsequent history is so appalling that it 
seems to be written with a pen dipped in tears, 
and even at this distance of time it lifts up 
such a warning- voice, and sends such a wave 
of woe across the ages, as should make every 
covetous feeling within us sink and die. But, 
alas ! how little men heed. Even now, they 
are paying the same dreadful price for the same 
empty baubles ; and " large profits " and "good 
settlements," with their associated attractions, 
lead men down to the Sodoms and Gomor- 
rahs of modern society, where they become 
bewildered and lost in their own confusions. 



96 The Domestic Sanctuary. 



It would be a very sad, but instructive study, 
to follow out the after-lives of some of these 
unhappy men. These two men were not only 
brethren, but they were professors of religion, 
and held distinguished positions in the church 
of God: Abraham as the "Friend of God," 
and Lot as 66 Righteous." ' Circumstances 
bring out the latent principles of individual 
character. Many people pass through life with 
character undeveloped, because circumstances 
suitable to the purpose have been absent. 
These two men acted out what was in them. 
Each man's conduct was consistent with him- 
self. 

Lot has now made his choice, and decided 
to reside in Sodom ; so the household and flocks 
of these two great men are divided. Abraham 
and Lot take leave of each other, not knowing 
when or where they may meet again. Abraham 
might deliver an affectionate, warning admoni- 
tion to the man who would be rich ; and Lot 
might have some secret misgivings as to the 
ultimate results of his new enterprise. For 
years after he is settled in his new home, 
all goes on well, — increasing flocks, accumula- 
ting wealth, rich acquaintances, and wealthy 
alliances for his daughters, until his mountain 
appears strong and immovable. We might 
watch the movements of Lot as he entered his 



Abodes and Habits. 



97 



new possessions and formed his associations 
and friends, and wonder what influence they 
would have upon his religious life and character. 
He might suppose and fondly hope, that when 
he went to live among these wicked men, that 
his pious example, prayers and admonitions, 
would work some good. Even supposing a 
desire to do them good had been his chief 
motive in going to live among them, he would 
have needed more strength of character and 
religion than he possessed. Such risks are 
dangerous even to the most godly and well 
established. But Lot's motives were worldly, 
and his character not eminently godly. Day 
by day his righteous soul was vexed with the 
filthy conversation of the wicked. At first he 
might have shuddered, then submitted quietly, 
and at length, with a kind of pious sentiment- 
alism, soothed his grief by the vague idea that 
he was making his fortune and accumulating 
wealth. 

Then, as to his family: true, he had been 
successful in accomplishing the marriage of 
some of his daughters to the men of the place. 
He probably hoped that both would be im- 
proved, and both husbands and wives become 
blest and honorable; but never was more fatal 
mistake. Instead of raising their husbands to 
their level, they sank towards the level of 



9 8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



their husbands. What else could be expected ? 
One feeble woman matched against her hus- 
band, and his relatives and connections, im- 
mersed in the worldliness and sin of these 
wicked cities. Had she been disposed to keep 
up the unequal contest, she w T ould have needed 
something in addition to natural force of char- 
acter, developed by the most careful training, 
and strengthened and fortified by divine grace. 
So far as w 7 e can gather, the daughters of Lot 
had none of these things, and the probability 
is, that, after a few feeble and unsuccessful 
attempts to improve the moral atmosphere of 
their new homes, they gave up the struggle, and 
sank into the abounding degradation by which 
they were surrounded. 

From the chronology of our Bibles we have 
reason to suppose that Lot resided in Sodom 
about twenty years before the reckoning time 
came. On a certain evening, three strange look- 
ing men came to Sodom. They had been on a 
friendly visit to Abraham and had enlarged his 
borders. They had also apprised Abraham of 
the doomed cities, for the preservation of which 
he pleaded; and although he did not succeed 
in averting the wrath of the Almighty from 
their overthrow, yet he prevailed in having 
Lot and a part of his family miraculously 
delivered. Indeed, they might all have been 



Abodes and Habits. 



99 



saved had it not been for their confirmed obsti- 
nacy and unbelief. It was with great difficulty 
that they succeeded in getting the few out of 
the city; they lingered, so that they had to 
be taken by the hand and literally forced out. 
It may be a heavy blow for a wealthy man to 
lose his fortune. In the morning Lot's flocks 
and herds were great, and he had possessions 
of houses, lands, silver and gold; but during 
the storm of Jehovah's long delayed wrath 
which swept over the valley, in one day Lot 
was left all but destitute. This was another 
evil consequence of the choice he had made 
long'ago. His advantages were now completely 
gone. All that was left was their memory, a 
pillar of salt, and three homeless fugitives 
flying across the plain. Alas ! for the uncer- 
tainty and vanity of earthly good. Alas! for 
the mistakes of good men, especially in rela- 
tion to their families. 

We can form but little conception of the 
agony of the parents when they left the city 
and commenced their journey across the plain. ^ 
How the angels reiterated the warning, and the 
stern command, that on no account should 
they look behind them, lest they should 
meet a terrible fate. But the yearnings of a 
mother's heart were too strong for her. There 
were, no doubt, many pleasant memories of 



IO0 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



bridal song and music, attended by youthful 
joy and hope, and now her dear daughters, and 
their husbands, were left behind to a dreadful 
doom. She was leaving everything dear to the 
heart of a wife and a mother, and she felt she 
must take one last farewell look, cost what it 
may. She made the dreadful venture, and the 
warm currents of life ceased to flow within 
her, and there was left a solitary monument 
standing on the plain, with this warning, " Re- 
member Lot's wife." 

It is a proverbial saying among men, that 
one trouble seldom comes alone. So with Lot, 
one followed another in rapid succession. But 
his two unmarried daughters are yet left to 
him, and with them he may yet have a home 
and be happy. But alas ! alas ! tell it not in 
Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon. 
Had it not been better that they had shared 
the fate of their sisters in the fires of Sodom, 
or stood petrified and lifeless forms beside 
their mother. They lived, but it was to involve 
their father into drunkenness and crime. They 
became the unholy progenitors of an unholy 
race, which spread pollution and death for a 
season, then lost its name for ever among the 
living. 

What a wonderful contrast to all this do we 
find in the life of Abraham. He accepted the 



Abodes and Habits. 



poorer fortune, but retained with it honor, in- 
tegrity, benevolence, religion, God. He grew 
immensely rich, and made his family wealthy 
and prosperous among the nations of the earth. 
In his seed the promise of God w T as fulfilled, 
and all the nations of the earth blessed. He 
retained his own piety, by the grace of God ; 
developed a truly noble character, and died at 
length in a good old age. 

The histories of these men are full of im- 
portant instruction. Abraham's generosity, his 
retirement under the wings of Providence, his 
determination to keep close to God at all 
hazards, earnestly teach us this lesson : that 
if we are properly affected with the necessity 
of religion, and the evil influence to which we 
are continually liable, we shall be anxious to 
.dwell among a people like-minded with our- 
selves, and to enjoy all the spiritual helps which 
the christian church supplies. We may some- 
times be unavoidably separated from them, but 
the call of Providence must be very distinct 
and urgent to justify us in fixing our perman- 
ent residence in the midst of moral darkness 
and depravity, far from the house of God and 
the assemblies of His people. 

How solicitous many parents are for the 
temporal welfare of their children ; seeking to 
start them well in life, to get them into the 



102 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



office of a money-making" firm, to marry them 
into wealthy families. This may be laudable 
enough to a certain extent, only let other con- 
siderations be equal, then all may be well. It 
is not enough that a business house be prosper- 
ous ; are its principles honest, honorable, up- 
right? It is not sufficient to marry them into 
certain families, because of wealth, accomplish- 
ments or position; have they character for 
honor, honesty, integrity? Had these things 
been more freely attended to, how many ruined 
fortunes and hearts had been saved. 



CHAPTER IX. 



DIFFICULTIES. 

There are no doubt difficulties existing in 
some families on which it would be a hard and 
delicate matter to advise, especially to speak 
with positiveness. It is a delicate case, where 
the wife is a devoted christian, and the husband 
is an unconverted worldling, or a conscience- 
seared wanderer from God's fold, and refuses 
to sanction morning and evening worship. 
Alas, this is a condition Into which some chris- 
tian women bring themselves, by entering into 
prohibited and unblessed unions with the un- 
godly. Where it is so, it may rather be regarded 
as a just punishment of sin than as a trial 
of christian faith and patience, But if it be 
not thus, I should say to a tried and afflicted 
wife and mother, rather than hazard a burst 
of wrath, or keep alive a continual strife and 
subject of annoyance, it were better to yield, 
so far at least as the form of family worship is 
concerned; but oh! do not fail, in the absence 
of your husband, to gather your children to- 
gether and present them all to the care and 
guidance of the God of the families of the 
whole earth, 



104 



The Domestic Sanctuary, 



THE MOTHER OF THE LATE REV. JOHN SCOTT. 

It is recorded of the mother of the late Rev. 
John Scott, Wesleyan Minister, that being a 
strong-minded woman, with great energy of 
character, she began her religious life with a 
full determination to serve - God faithfully. 
Each morning she called together her children 
and servants, and such farm laborers as were 
disengaged, and read and prayed with them. 
Her husband, not approving of her conduct, 
would go into the next room, and, cracking his 
whip, call the men by name, and allot to each 
his work. Notwithstanding, she maintained 
daily family worship, and soon the heart of 
her husband softened, till he, too, was found 
kneeling among the rest. He sought and found 
salvation, and died happy in a Saviour's love. 

Can we reflect upon the life and character of 
Job without noting how his domestic circle was 
beset with the most formidable difficulties. 
The religious welfare of his large family of seven 
sons and three daughters, under the fostering 
influence of an injudicious and sensuous, if not 
a profane and idolatrous, mother, was a burden 
of deep and anxious solicitude. 

Had David no opposition ? Did the mem- 
bers of his household approve of his devotions? 
Was his wife pleased to behold the expressions 



Difficulties. 



105 



of his fervent zeal for God ? No, she eyed him 
with a scowl of contempt, and accosted him in 
a strain of insulting and sarcastic impiety : 
"How glorious was the king of Israel to-day, 
who uncovered himself in the eyes of the hand- 
maids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows 
shamelessly uncovereth himself." 

Such was the impudent and irritating lan- 
guage in which David was addressed, when he 
was preparing to bless his household. 

Daniel, while in charge of one hundred and 
twenty provinces, could be successful in his 
government, yet find time and convenience to 
pray three times a day ;'and when he knew that 
a wicked confederacy was formed against him, 
he yet faltered not in his course, but, with 
unswerving fidelity and perseverance, kneeled 
.and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, 
as he did aforetime. 

Poverty, severe and exhausting labor, want 
of early culture, and other unavoidable impedi- 
ments, may stand in the way of an illiterate 
christian from aspiring to learning or extensive 
general knowledge, but no difficulties can effec- 
tually prevent his successful pursuit of what is 
excellent and laudable in human nature. 

As true manliness was exemplified in the 
laborious life of shepherds and herdsmen, as 
Jacob and Moses, Gideon and David, and by 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



the apostles of our Lord, so, in modern days, 
intelligent and noble-minded christian peasants 
have their souls purified from all filthiness 
of flesh and spirit, and refined and expanded by 
the rich and holy feelings of experimental re- 
ligion, by fellowship with saints, and commu- 
nion with God. It is well known that among 
the godly poor there are persons who, though 
unlearned, are wise ; who, though unpolished, 
are courteous; who, in want, difficulty, and 
suffering, are humble and magnanimous ; who, 
though cramped in their external condition, 
have an unaffected largeness of heart. Such 
weak things Almighty God, as the head of His 
church and the Governor of the world, not un- 
frequently " chooses to confound the mighty," 
and " things that are not to bring to nought 
things that are." 

The late Reverend Thomas Jackson, in the 
recollections of his own life and times, says: 
"On a review of my past life, I find a thou- 
sand things which call for my grateful acknow- 
ledgments to the Giver of all good. I owe 
thanks to God especially for my parentage. I 
was not born to the inheritance of wealth, but 
was early sent from home to earn my bread as 
best I might. The consequence was, that I 
acquired habits of industry from my boyhood, 
and could never bear to be unemployed. But 



Difficulties. 



107 



for this habit, I could never have passed 
through the course of hard mental labor, which 
during a long life has been my providential lot ; 
nor could I have rendered that service to others 
which I have rendered, however imperfectly, 
in the study, in the pulpit, in the lecture-room, 
and through the press. * # * * I trust 
that God, in the greatness of His mercy, will 
accept what has been well intended, and for- 
give what has been defective and faulty." 

Dr. Clark once remarked, while speaking 
upon domestic matters, that there are three 
things which a working man likes to see when 
he comes home from work : a clean house, a 
good fire, and a pleasant look, — the truth of 
which, all parties concerned will readily admit. 
But what an amount of forethought, care and 
industry, is embraced in this, all of which a 
prudential wife cheerfully realizes, and the 
duties are easily accomplished. Many of the 
troubles of the working class are home-grown. 
Many a fretful, pining, half-starved wife, has 
herself to blame for a great part of the misery 
she has to encounter. If she would observe 
the apostolic injunctions, and be " discreet, 
chaste, a keeper at home, good and obedient to 
her own husband," with the duties of home 
properly attended to, the cause of most of the 
unhappy conflicts would vanish. A husband 



xo8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



does not like to see his hard earnings wasted, 
or laid out with little or no judgment, with no 
power of control in the family, or system in 
household management. See the children wan- 
dering in the streets, forming their characters 
and habits among swearers and drunkards, 
gamblers and Sabbath-breakers; they become 
reckless, headstrong and wicked, because they 
cannot find companionship or help at home. 
How can a man be happy amidst such a scene 
as his home presents, when he returns w T earied 
and tired from his day's labor? and if he cannot 
find happiness at home, where is he to go in 
search of it? Do w 7 e wonder that he should go 
to the tavern or saloon, where there is suitable 
attraction and ready welcome. We would that 
such unhappy cases were less numerous. 

JOHN BUNYAN. 

There is a providence in human destiny. 
The great masters in religion, science and lit- 
erature, have, in many cases, been raised from 
the humblest classes.' The mighty agencies 
by which progress has been effected in the dif- 
ferent departments of earthly affairs, have been 
of comparatively mean origin. God frequently 
works from the bottom upwards. See, in 
John Bunyan, a poor and unsuccessful young 
man taking to himself a wife. His bride as 



Difficulties. 



poor as himself ; but she was the child of godly 
parents. Her father bequeathed to her the 
only dowry he had to leave her, the memory of 
his own good name, and two little books — The 
Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven, and The Prac- 
tice of Piety. As to household stuff, they had 
not, according to the bridegroom's account, so 
much as a dish or a spoon between them. Yet 
those two volumes have redeemed her memory 
from oblivion, whilst damsels dowered with 
gold are forgotten and unknown. This good 
woman urged her husband to read ; and, by her 
intreaties, he recovered the art which he had 
almost lost. She told' him, moreover, as only 
a loving wife can, of her godly father and his 
holy life, until his heart was impressed by the 
affecting tale. Of his early life he tells us that 
he had but few equals, both for swearing, curs- 
ing, lying, and blaspheming the holy name of 
God, and that he was the ringleader in all man- 
ner of vice and ungodliness. But who is not 
willing to bless the memory of Bunyan's wife ; 
but for her promptings and her humble mar- 
riage portion of tw r o books, we should never 
have had his glorious dreams, besides sixty de- 
stinct publications which have astonished the 
world by their simplicity and power. 

As a means of religious edification in the 
promotion of intelligent piety, and the enlarged 



lid 



the Domestic Sanctuary, 



and ever extending- influence by which your 
interesting charge is swayed to duty and affec- 
tion, have some manual of devotion at hand, 
and in your closet some book of choice chris- 
tian biography under careful perusal, that you 
may see how others have thought and felt and 
acted in the everchanging trials of their lot. 
See how they read their Bible, and how they 
understood it ; mark what clear views they had 
of their high calling and how they pursued its 
prize; how highly they esteemed heavenly - 
mindedness, and how they gained it. In addi- 
tion to the regular scripture lessons of the day 
at the family altar, frequently, 

W T hile quiet in your house you sit, 
That book be your companion still ; 

Your joy its sayings to repeat, 
Talk o'er the record of His will, 

And search the oracles divine, 

Till every heartfelt word be thine. 

Have no sympathy with those who scoff at the 
multitude of religious books. An unreading, 
unthinking religion, is generally an unheavenly 
one ; and especially disregard those who say 
we have enough of commentaries and exposi- 
tions, for of these works we never can have 
enough. The most profound, heavenly, holy, 
and beauteous thoughts of good men are little 
more, when attentively considered, than expo- 
sitions or illustrations of scripture ; and as 



Difficulties. 



Ill 



long as the word of God shall be a subject of 
human contemplation, so long it is likely to 
call forth an accumulation of volumes which 
shall show what vast realms of sunshine may 
be filled from one centre of light. 

To prefer, as is commonly done, the im- 
provement of our fortune to the improvement 
of our souls, is a gross blunder ; an illiberal, 
grovelling, self-degrading mistake,- of which all 
rational and immortal natures ought to be 
ashamed. A mind self-cultivated, purified, en- 
riched, and adorned in a manner as the sacred 
scriptures instruct, is the noblest possession a 
human being can attain to. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE ADVANTAGES OF FAMILY RELIGION. 

One of the many advantages of systematic 
family religious training is hereditary piety. 

It has often been remarked, and no doubt 
justly, that the large proportion of the servants 
of God, who have been eminent for their devo- 
tion and usefulness, have been brought to re- 
ligious decision in early life. There may be 
some striking exceptions to the contrary. 
Nevertheless, the general rule holds good. As 
it was in the Old Testament history, so it has 
been in the history of Christianity. Samuel 
was consecrated to God and his service from 
his infancy. Jeremiah was but a youth when 
the God of his childhood called him to fill the 
office of a prophet under the most difficult and 
perilous conditions. All that was good in 
David, grew out of the promise of his youthful 
prime. The grandeur of Daniel's character 
was but the full development of his early con- 
secration ; and the most majestic and im- 
pressive of all the sons of Israel, under the Old 
Testament dispensation, our Lord's immediate 
forerunner, the Baptist, was filled with the 



The Advantages of Family Religion, 113 



Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. In like 
manner, Saul of Tarsus tells us that his man- 
ner of life, from his youth, was of the strictest 
sect of the religion of the Jews. It is true that, 
as a young man, he persecuted the people of 
God, even to the death. He was, as he de- 
scribes himself, a blasphemer, persecutor and 
injurer. But he was never vicious, even in his 
worst and maddest course as persecutor. He 
thought he was doing God service, and obtained 
mercy on the ground that he did it " ignorantly 
and in unbelief." Self-righteous and unrelen- 
ting as he was in his bigotry, he had maintained 
not only his Jewish faith, but his moral purity; 
as touching the law, he himself declares that he 
was blameless. When he speaks of his tender 
love for Timothy, of their mutual, passionate 
affection each for the other, and of his remem- 
brance of the unfeigned faith that was in Tim- 
othy, and which dwelt first in his grandmother 
Lois, and his mother Eunice, — he well under- 
stood the character of a Jewish education, with 
all the details of family religious training, — 
" But continue thou in the things which thou 
hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing 
of whom thou hast learned them, and that from 
a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, 
which are able to make thee wise unto salva- 
tion, through faith which is in Christ Jesus," 



ii4 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



THE SEED OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 

The statement in Isaiah lix., 21, is in accor- 
dance with the promises, which frequently 
occur in the scriptures, that God would bless 
the posterity of His people, showing mercy 
unto thousands (that is, thousands of genera- 
tions) of them that love Him, and keep His 
commandments. (Deut. iv., 37"4°; vii. , 9; 
xxix., 1. Ps. lxxxix., 24-36.) There is no pro- 
mise of the Bible that is more full of consola- 
tion to the pious, or has been more strikingly 
fulfilled, than this. And though it is true that 
not all the children of godly parents become 
truly pious,— though there are instances where 
they are signally wicked and abandoned, — yet 
it is also true, that rich, spiritual blessings are 
imparted to the posterity of those who serve 
God, and keep His commandments. The fol- 
lowing facts are pretty firmly believed by all 
those who have given attention to the subject : 
First — The majority of those who become reli- 
gious, are the descendants of those who feared 
God. Those who now compose the christian 
churches, are not those generally who have 
been rescued from the haunts of open vice and 
profligacy; from scepticism and infidelity, or 
from the immediate descendants of scoffers, 
drunkards or blasphemers. Such men gener- 
ally tread in the footsteps of their fathers. 



The Advantages of Family Religion. 



"5 



The church is chiefly composed of the descen- 
dants of those who have been true christians, 
and who trained their children in the way 
they should go. Second — It is a fact that 
comparatively a large proportion of the descen- 
dants of the righteous become true christians. 
I know that it is often said otherwise, and 
especially that the children of ministers are 
less virtuous and religious than others. But it 
should be remembered that such cases are 
more prominent than others ; that they attract 
attention ; and especially that the profane have 
a malicious pleasure in making them the sub- 
ject of remark. The son of a drunkard may be 
a drunkard without attracting notice, for such 
a result is expected ; so also of an infidel or a 
scoffer, or a thief or a licentious man, without 
being the subject of special remark. It is 
regarded and expected as a matter of course. 
But when the son of an eminent christian is 
profane, licentious, or sceptical, it at once 
excites surprise, because such is not the usual 
course, and is not expected ; because a wicked 
world likes to triumph over the downfall of the 
righteous, and will often lay the snare, and 
afterwards glory in its success. Third — The 
righteous should rest on the faithfulness of God 
in His promises. Their faith and confidence 
should be strong in His design to perpetuate 



n6 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



religion in all the families of the faithful. 
They should be indefatigable in the inculcation 
of religious truth, walking worthy of God, and 
to all well-pleasing before them, and continu- 
ing instant in prayer ; should so live that their 
children may safely follow in their footsteps, 
and continually look for and expect God's bless- 
ing on their efforts, and their labor will not be 
in vain. They shall see their children walking 
in the ways of virtue, and when they die and 
leave the world, it will be with unwavering con- 
fidence that God will not suffer His faithfulness 
to fail ; that He will not break His covenant, 
nor alter the thing that hath gone out of His 
lips. A remark of the Rev. A. Barnes may 
illustrate these statements, he says: "I am 
acquainted with the descendants of John 
Rogers, the first martyr in Queen Mary's reign, 
of the tenth and eleventh generations. With a 
single exception, the oldest son in the family 
has been a clergyman, some of them eminently 
distinguished for learning and piety; and there 
are few families now, a greater proportion of 
whom are pious, than of that family." 

The Secretary of the Massachusetts S. S. 
Society made an investigation a little while ago 
for the purpose of ascertaining the facts about 
the religious character of the families of minis- 
ters and deacons, with reference to the charge 



the Advantages of Family Religion. 11 J 



so often made, that their sons and daughters 
were worse than other children. The fol- 
lowing is the result : In 268 families there 
were 1756 children over fifteen years of age. 
Of these, 884 were hopefully pious, 794 were 
united in church fellowship, 61 were in the 
ministry, and 17 were dissipated, and only a 
few of these became so while living at home 
with their parents. In 11 of these families 
there are 123 children, and all but seven pious. 
When and where can such results be found in 
the families of the ungodly? indeed, it is the 
great law by which virtue and religion are 
spread and perpetuated in the world, that God 
is faithful to His covenant, and that He blesses 
the efforts of His people in endeavoring to train 
up generations for His service. 

Our merciful Creator has not intended man 
for a low or ignoble being, but has formed him 
for honor and usefulness. We cannot be made 
great by others ; by our ancestry, or our patri- 
mony, by beauty of form or loftiness of stature ; 
nor does rank, however exalted or dazzling, 
impart greatness to man. Mental imbecility 
and meanness of character may roam in a 
palace and strut in magnificent titles and robes. 
Wealth does not yield greatness. The owner 
of riches has frequently been their slave, num- 
bered among narrow and bitter spirits, boast- 



n8 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



ing of treasures he had not the power to use, 
nor qualification to enjoy. True greatness is 
greatness in the sight of the Lord, and this is 
found only in devotedness to Him. When 
religion is supreme in the heart, her dominion 
pervades all the faculties of the entire man. 
That part of man's nature which recognizes 
law and duty is the noblest and most impor- 
tant, and when rightly educated and in the as- 
cendant, his intellectual and emotional powers 
are enlarged and tranquilized ; the love of 
Christ — the most expansive of all affections; — 
the glory of God — the sublimest of all contem- 
plations, — become the principles of action, and 
tend to raise the character to that grandeur of 
which these elements form the basis and the 
inspiration. 

Righteousness is true greatness, goodness is 
power, and wisdom is better than strength. It 
is said of the Baptist that one great prepara- 
tion for his extraordinary eminence and useful- 
ness, was special abstemiousness and self-con- 
trol — "He shall drink neither wine nor strong 
drink." Self-mastery lies at the basis of noble 
distinction. A preacher of repentance and self- 
government, he himself was a pattern of religi- 
ous mortification and hardihood. With what 
severity, with what exalted sanctity, he stood 
before Herod, reproving him for all the evils 



The Advantages of Family Religion. 119 



which he did. What is the distinction of the 
warrior to the magnanimity of virtue, and a 
soul inspired by the in-dwelling of the Holy 
Ghost ? To what a littleness man dwindles, 
and how paltry his pursuits and conquests, in 
the exclusion of religion, and of the moment- 
ous things of eternity. How little, in the last 
day, will be the names of an Alexander, a Caesar, 
a Napoleon, and a Nelson, compared to a 
Coke, a Carey, a Williams and a Hunt, and 
many others, now unknown to fame. 

Think of Paul, probably the greatest human 
name in all history. By his writings he is 
to-day influencing more minds and hearts than 
any other man that ever lived. See those 
three young men, the Baptist, the apostle Paul, 
and Timothy, all descendants of a pious ances- 
try; early taught the holy scriptures with all 
the sacredness and sanctities of revealed reli- 
gion: distinguished men, shall we say repre- 
sentative men, of New Testament faith and 
practice, the epitomes of whose noble lives are 
contained in a few significant words which 
have no parallel, except in the book of life. Of 
John it is said that "he was a burning and 
shining light of Timothy, "I have no man 
likeminded ;" of Paul, " I have fought a good 
fight, I have kept the faith." The influence of 
a holy example is salutary in all the stations of 



120 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



public and private life. Such goodness is 
powerful everywhere — in the circles of royalty, 
in the councils of war, in the treaties of peace, 
in discernment and warning, in the world and 
in the church, at home and abroad. 

What a beautiful description of patriarchal 
piety and parental affection and esteem we 
have in the character and conduct of Joseph, 
as revealed upon the several occasions of his 
brethern's visits to him in Egypt. When 
Joseph was sold into Egypt, mature age had 
fixed the stature and formed the features of his 
brethern, so that the lapse of years had effected 
no great change in their character and appear- 
ance than what he had always seen them; 
whilst he himself had grown out of the 
stripling into the man, and from a shepherd's 
boy was become the ruler of a kingdom. When 
they, therefore, appeared before him, he knew 
them, but they knew him not. He listened to 
their artless account of home with suppressed 
emotion, while they told of the family and 
circumstances in which his own name and that 
of his father's were so deeply involved. (Gen. 
xlii., 24; xliii., 7.) " Is your father yet alive, and 
have you another brother?" They went down 
a second time and again the question was, "Is 
your father well, the old man of whom ye spake, 
is he yet alive ? " More he could not venture to 



The Advantages of Family Religion, 121 



ask, while he was yet in his disguise. But at 
the pleading of Judah on the behalf of Benja- 
min, Joseph's firmness foorsook him, so that 
he could not refrain himself any longer, and, 
causing every man to go out, he made him- 
self known to his brethren. Then, in the height 
of the paroxysm which came upon him (for he 
wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard), still 
his first words, uttered from the fullness of his 
heart, were : "Doth my father yet live ?" He 
now bids them hasten and bring the old man 
down, bearing to him tokens of his love and 
tidings of his glory. On his arrival in the 
country he goes to meet him. (Gen. xlvi., 29.) 
He presents himself unto him, and falls and 
weeps on his neck ; he provides for him and 
his household out of the fat of the land ; he 
sets him before Pharoah. By-and-byhe hears 
that he is sick and hastens to visit him, he 
receives his blessing, watches his deathbed, 
embalms his body, mourns for him three- 
score and ten days, and then carries him into 
Canaan to bury him, taking with him, as an 
escort to do him honor, all the elders of Israel 
and all the servants of Pharoah, and all his 
house and the house of his brethren, chariots 
and horsemen — a very great company. 

Many of our young people are fond of novel- 
reading. Let such take and read ten or twelve 



122 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



of the last chapters of Genesis ; those contain- 
ing the history of Joseph, where the romance 
of real life is portrayed in events and circum- 
stances so artless and simple, so fascinating 
and pure, so rich and so elevating, as to have 
no comparison in the realm of novel literature. 
Although the programme of events of life may 
be beyond the power of imitation, yet, when 
read, such is the divine sublimity inspiring the 
whole, that the entire story reads as if intensi- 
fied with thoughts that breathe and words that 
burn. 

" He that dwelleth in the secret place of the 
Most High, shall abide under the shadow of 
the Almighty ; because thou hast made the 
Lord, even the Most High, thy habitation. 
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall 
any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Because 
he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I 
deliver him: I will set him on high, because 
he hath known My name. He shall call upon 
Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him 
in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 
With long life will I satisfy him, and show him 
My salvation." 

These cheering declarations evidently se- 
cure to us God's gracious benedictions, as the 
result of our domestic acknowledgment to 
His government and will. 



The Advantages of Family Religion. 



123 



The peace and welfare of the domestic cir- 
cle will, too, be greatly promoted. The man 
that takes delight in the stated inculcation of 
God's holy word, and the habit of religious 
worship in his family, must necessarily be at- 
tended with results in the highest degree 
blissful and satisfactory ; his leaf shall not 
wither, his religious life shall not become stale 
and uninfluential, and whatsoever he doeth 
shall prosper. Correct ideas of God and of re- 
ligious truth will be obtained, by which the 
younger members of the family may be admon- 
ished and directed ; a powerful check will be 
unceasingly presented against the commission 
of much that is evil : whilst just in proportion 
as the influences of religion are diffused 
throughout the social circle, so will all that 
creates disquietude and discord die away ; 
envy and strife will cease, and our families, 
yielding to the force of heavenly truth, will 
pleasingly attest : 

Sweet peace she brings wherever she arrives, 
She builds our comfort as she forms our lives, 
Lays the rough path of peevish nature even. 
And opens in the breast a little heaven. 



CHAPTER XL 



IMPORTANT TESTIMONIES OF DISTINGUISHED 
*MEN WHO HAVE GIVEN ATTENTION TO 
THE SUBJECT., 

The late Rev. John Angel James remarks : 
" There is, in some households, no family gov- 
ernment, no order, no subordination. The 
children are kept under no restraint, but are 
allowed to do what they like ; their faults are 
unnoticed and unpunished, and their tempers 
are allowed to grow wild and headstrong, till, 
in fact, the whole family becomes utterly law- 
less, rebellious against parental authority, and 
unamiable to all around. How many have had 
to curse the over-indulgence of fond and foolish 
parents ? How many, as they have ruminated 
amidst the desolations of poverty, or the walls 
of a prison, have exclaimed : ' Oh, my over- 
fond parents, had you exercised that authority 
with which God intrusted you over your child- 
ren, and had you checked my childish corrup- 
tions, and punished my boyish disobedience, 
had you subjected me to the restraint of salu- 
tary and wholesome laws, I had not brought 
you with a broken heart to your grave, nor 
myself with a ruined character to the jail.'" 



Testimonies of Distinguished Men. 



125 



It is not uncommon for parents to treat 
the first acts of puerile rebellion rather as 
freaks to be laughed at, than as faults to be 
reformed. Oh, says the mother, it's only play, 
he will know better soon ; he does not mean 
any harm ; I cannot chide him. No; and if 
the father, wiser than herself, does, she cries, 
and, perhaps, in the hearing of her child, 
reproves her husband for cruelty. From what- 
ever cause it proceeds, it. is in the highest 
degree injurious to the character of children. 
Let those who are guilty of it read the fearful 
comment upon this sin, which is furnished for 
their warning in the- history of Eli and his 
family. 

The late Rev. Dr. Stamp says on the sub- 
ject : "What we are as families, such also will 
our neighborhood be ; all our attempts to 
promote the well-being of society around us 
will assuredly prove futile, if the religious cul- 
ture of our respective households be unhappily 
neglected. Were family religion universal, 
could we find in every house an altar unto God, 
the stream of general society, thus purified at 
its source, w T ould exhibit a striking contrast to 
its present ruffled and muddy aspect. The 
burstings forth of strife, the tumult of unholy 
passion, with all that proves the bane of social 
enjoyment, would cease to vex ; whilst under 



126 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



the hallowing influence of truth, the peace of 
communities would be as a river, and their right- 
eousness as the waves of the sea. Just as the 
duties of domestic worship are recognized and 
carried out, is the much-to-be-desired consum- 
mation hastened. " 

The late Rev. Dr. Olin, of the United 
States, observes: " The family institution is a 
divine ordinance, obviously designed as a pre- 
paratory school for such a training of child- 
hood as shall best fit it for the reception of re- 
ligious truth and the performance of religious 
duties. It is a period of physical weakness 
and absolute dependence upon the parent, 
when the heart is impressable and the mind 
plastic ; when the powers of imitation are 
strong and active ; and when unlimited con- 
fidence is reposed in the truth and propriety 
of parental inculcations. Over this period of 
human life, the laws of society, no less than 
the laws of heaven, make the parents' author- 
ity supreme. * * * * Almost everything 
depends on preoccupying the soul with right 
habits, of which none is so closely connected 
with favorable religious development as the 
habit of obedience to legitimate authority. 
Every parent who fails of establishing this un- 
questionable dominion over his child, does in 
the same degree entail upon him a curse of 



Testimonies of Distinguished Men. 12 J 



fearful omen. He fosters the unborn enmity 
of the heart to the claims of religion ; and so 
strengthens its opposition to the government 
of God, that the usual agencies of the gospel 
are very likely to prove ineffectual for the great 
end of piety and salvation. That this dire- 
lection of parental faithfulness is one of the 
most common, as well as inveterate, hindrances 
to conversion, all experience and observation 
offer their concurrent testimony. It may be 
laid down as a Christian axiom, that the re- 
bellious spirit which refuses obedience to par- 
ents, will be the last to render it to God." 

Utterances like these on the importance of 
domestic religion might be multiplied, if neces- 
sary, but we forbear. Thero is a case of indi- 
vidual character containing points of interest 
which may be both instructive and encouraging 
to those who, like Joshua, have resolved, that 
whatever others may do, as for me and my 
house we will serve the Lord. 

I remember, many years ago, a youth belong- 
ing to a religious family in the country, coming 
to take his place as an indoor apprentice in 
connection with city life. The principals of 
his new home were professedly Baptists, but 
made little or no pretension to religion beyond 
going occasionally to a place of public worship 
on the Sabbath day. On the Sabbath it was 



128 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



his duty to be at his parental home. There 
was no religious element either in the house or 
shop, so that they all had their conversation in 
the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of 
the flesh and of the mind. By the influence of 
outside associations he was brought to see the- 
error of his ways, and eventually to be con- 
verted from them, This soon developed itself 
in newness of life and character. As usual, the 
secret of it was mistaken by his shopmates, 
hence a continuous pelting storm of petty per- 
secution ; in place of the civilities and sociali- 
ties of life, there was an unbroken tirade of 
coarseness and the low vulgarities of unreason- 
able and wicked men, the master himself some- 
times joining with them. 

To live a religious life under such circum- 
stances would be considered almost impractic- 
able, but the grace of God was sufficient, and 
better days were in store for him. One day 
when the master and he were alone, he sum- 
moned courage to ask him for an explanation 
of the unseemly treatment to which he was al- 
most daily subjected. It was quite evident it 
was more than the master expected, as he 
could make no explanation, nor yet plead in- 
nocence on his own part, or ignorance in that 
of others. He frankly acknowledged the just- 
ness of the complaint made to him, at the 



Testimonies of Distinguished Men. 1 29 



same time promising immediate reformation. 
A new era now set in, hostilities at once ceased. 
A large family pew was rented in church, while, 
very shortly after, the master and other mem- 
bers of the family united in church fellowship. 
Family prayer twice a day was now established, 
at which all hands were required to attend, 
the youthful hero leading the way. Rough 
places were now made even ; motives being 
pure, actions w r ere peaceable; they, in turn, 
by love served one another, rejoicing not in 
iniquity, but rejoicing in the truth. 

In the course of time the young man com- 
menced housekeeping on his own account, 
where he had his family altar, around which 
he and his devoted wife have trained a large 
family. In this respect, God has been very 
gracious to them : out of twelve of a family, ten 
have been spared to man and womanhood ; the 
whole are members of the christian church, also 
the partners of those that are married. Two of 
them are employed in the work of the christian 
ministry. 

He that was "young" is now old, at least 
apparently so. 

" He lives long who answers life's great end." 

He has had to endure a severe period of 
long-suffering, which covered a large portion 



130 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



of the latter part of his active life with a cloud. 
Otherwise, as a local preacher, class-leader, 
Sabbath school teacher, and Sunday school 
superintendent, he was indefatigable, and 
never could feel that he had done enough so 
long as he knew anything remained to be done. 
For some time he has been anxiously, yet 
patiently, waiting and watching on the margin 
of the river. In reviewing the past, he is pain- 
fully sensible of many defects of religious 
character, and if not for the revelation of the 
mercy of God in the sacrifice of His Son, he 
might despair of any deliverance from their 
terrible consequences. But this is the only 
hope he has, no other he needs, and with a full 
and bounding heart he sings, 

O love, thou bottomless abyss, 
My sins are swallowed up in thee. 



The representations thus given, as to the 
reasons on which the duties of family religion 
are based, the mode of its celebration, and the 
advantages which its observance secures, we 
now commit to your serious and prayerful 
deliberation. If matters thus important be 
unhappily lost sight of, you cannot complain 
should your children or your servants be heed- 



Testimonies of Distinguished Men. 131 



less of the word they never heard, or wan- 
derers from Him whom they have not been 
trained to worship. Where there is no praying- 
be well assured there will be sin. Where God 
is not served, Satan will be. Shall then, a 
responsibility thus fearful lie at your door? 
Shall your very habitation witness before God 
against you? "Shall the stone cry out of the 
walls, and the beam out of the timber answer 
it," that in your dwellings God is dishonored 
and His worship not known ? " Have I been a 
wilderness unto you," appeals Jehovah, "a land 
of darkness, that ye come no more to Me ? 
What iniquity have your fathers found in Me, 
that they are gone far from Me, and have walked 
after vanity and become vain?" Difficulties 
may indeed present themselves ; members of 
your own families may oppose in this respect 
-your righteous intentions ; grievous scenes of 
this kind may have frequently been witnessed, 
still let Joshua's determination be resolutely 
yours. In your family, fear and worship God, 
and if your children perish (which God forbid), 
O, ye christian parents, let not the fault be 
yours. Let not your offspring, or your ser- 
vant, if found at the last at the left hand of 
the Judge, have to say, "My father never 
prayed;" "My master never instructed me in 
the things of God." Let not your household 



132 



The Domestic Sanctuary. 



perish in consequence of your neglect. Train 
them up aright, instruct them in God's truth 
and fear, commit them by daily and earnest 
prayer to Him, so shall you hasten the ac- 
complishment of that prophetic word: " Then 
shall the offering of Jacob and Jerusalem be 
pleasant unto the Lord as in the days of 
old, and, as in former years, the Lord will 
create upon every dwelling place in Mount 
Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and 
smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire 
by night ; for upon all the glory shall be a 
defence." 



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